Netherlands National Drug Monitor - Research and Documentation ...

• The number of requests for information on amphetamines trebled between 2000 and
2005. Most of the requests related to patients who had used amphetamines at parties,
both singly and in combination with other drugs or alcohol. In 2006 and 2007, there
was a slight drop in the number of information requests involving amphetamines.
• The increase between 2007 and 2008 occurred partly because requests made via the
website were included in the statistics for the first time in 2008.
• These figures do not give a picture of the absolute number of intoxications, because
these are not notifiable. The increasing familiarity of doctors with the symptoms and
treatment of a certain drug overdose may play a part, as this reduces the need to
seek information from the NVIC.
5.7 Illness and deaths
Illnesses
• According to the latest scientific findings, there is evidence of disruption to brain
function, particularly the memory, concentration and mood in both users and ex-users
of Ecstasy (Kalechstein et al., 2007; Rogers et al., 2009; Schilt, 2009; De Win, 2007;
Jager, 2006).
• This disruption can last longer than a year after the drug use has been discontinued.
It is unknown whether there is a return to full recovery.
• These changes are probably due to the effects of Ecstasy use; yet despite over 20 years
of research, it remains unclear exactly how harmful the drug is. The reported effects
are generally minor, with the exception of reduced (verbal and working) memory, and
the effects fall within ‘normal’ margins. Nor can it be established with certainty what
the role of other factors may be, such as the use of other drugs or the pre-existence
of illnesses and conditions (Rogers et al., 2009).
• The changes are probably due to damage to serotonergic nerves in the brain.
• Tests on laboratory animals have shown that the risk of brain damage increases if
there is a rise in body temperature after using MDMA. In humans this is also likely
to be the case.
• The risk of overheating and consequently (long-term brain damage) increases if a user
takes large doses of MDMA in a warm environment (over 18-20 degrees Celsius).
The exact dose that leads to damage is not known.
• The results of research conducted by the University of Amsterdam and the University
of Utrecht, do not suggest that short-term or one-off use might cause serious damage
to and impairment of brain function in the long term (De Win, 2007; Jager, 2006;
Schilt, 2009). At the same time it cannot simply be concluded that a low dose of
Ecstasy is safe.
- Research participants took an average of 1.8 to 6 Ecstasy tablets and were tested
on average 8 to 19 weeks after their last dose.
- The results showed a narrowing of the arteries in some parts of the brain.
- Performance for memory and concentration tasks or in brain activity during the
124 Netherlands National Drug Monitor - NDM Annual Report 2009