MDA (Methylenedioxyamphetamine) has been shown to have a neurotoxic effect on the 5-HT (serotonin) axons when abused. Many users will state that MDA is completely safe to use often, but this is a false preconception based on nothing more than anecdotal claims that have zero scientific backing. There have been hundreds of studies throughout the years that outline both MDA's, and it's methylated cousin MDMA's, neurotoxicity, and not taking the time to value the information they have uncovered is altogether unwise.
With this in mind, MDA can be used safely with no backlash assuming a set of precautions are followed when using it.
1) Do not roll more than once a month at LEAST, with emphasis on trying to allow 2-3 months between use.
2) A safe dosing guideline for MDA is typically 1.0-1.5mg/Kg. For instance, if you weigh 80Kg, your dosage will be between 80-120mg depending on desired intensity. 80mg will be a light and sociable dose and 120mg will be a much heavier dose.
3) KEEP YOUR BODY TEMPERATURE LOW AND STAY HYDRATED! This is perhaps the most important guideline in preventing neurotoxicity. Ensure above all else that you are not overexerting yourself.
4) Antioxidants such as Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Green Tea Extract (EGCG), and Magnesium glycinate will heavily aid in alleviating neurotoxicity, protecting your brain, and improving your roll.
A more explanation on each of these points...
- Moderation is absolutely pivotal when using MDA. MDA releases serotonin in vast amounts and inhibits the enzyme tryptophan hydroxalyse (TPH), which is responsible for creating more serotonin. Because this inhibition is permanent, the body must compensate by creating more TPH, and this restoration period typically takes between 1-3 months depending on the user's diet and exercise patterns. With this in mind, the healthier you are, the quicker the process is. Exercise is phenomenal for speeding up this process as exercise stimulates a release of BDNF which encourages the growth of new serotonin axons. The bottom line is this: spread out your use. Depending on your health and exercise habits, wait at LEAST one month between use, with a strong emphasis on waiting a preferred 2-3 months.
- Dosing and redosing are also two very large components of MDA neurotoxicity. The higher you dose, the more prone you are to MDA's neurotoxic effects. A general guideline for safely dosing MDA is 1.0-1.5mg/Kg. For example, if you weigh 80kg, the optimal dosage for MDA is between 80-120mg. Whether you choose 80mg or 120mg depends on how intense you want the experience to be and is entirely dependant on your choice. Subjectively speaking on the intensity of effects,, 80mg will be a light, sociable dose, 100mg a moderate dose, and 120mg a high dose. Because many users will choose to dose higher in search of a more intense experience, I will offer two critical insights: MDA is much more potent than MDMA, so try to avoid dosing too high, and more importantly, DO NOT REDOSE! Redosing is highly unwise, entirely pointless, and plays a huge role in neurotoxicity and will lead to a terrible comedown.
For a better representation of why this is bad, let me put it into a rough and incredibly oversimplified analogy. Think of your serotonin transport system (SERT) as a dam. This dam moderates your serotonin levels by slowly releasing it to control everything from mood, appetite, sleep, heart rate, libido, and so forth. When you ingest MDA, it essentially takes control of the floodgates of this dam, opens them up to full capacity, and releases all the serotonin available behind it. What happens when you release all of the serotonin behind this dam? You must wait a while for the levels to return to normal. Opening the floodgates to a dam with no water behind it makes absolutely no sense, and this is essentially what redosing MDA does. You will NOT roll harder or longer by taking more; instead, you are simply making your comedown exponentially worse and increasing MDA induced neurotoxicity.
- KEEP YOUR BODY TEMPERATURE LOW! Do not overexert yourself when dancing as hyperthermia is the LEADING CAUSE of MDA induced neurotoxicity due to a rise in oxidative stress. When your body temperature rises, you body's natural process for preventing oxidative stress (antioxidants) becomes less efficient. That lowering of efficiency is exponential. The higher your body temperature gets, the faster reactive oxygen species are created, which damage your brain. A fantastic way to keep your body temperature low is THC (yes, smoking marijuana helps MDA neurotoxicity too!), ensuring you dance in moderation, and making sure that you stay properly hydrated. In that breath, do not over-hydrate. Depending on the amount of physical activity you are undergoing, 16-24oz of water every hour is optimal for staying hydrated. Also, did I mention to keep your body temperature low?
- Preloading and postloading are two staples for enriching the MDA experience and almost entirely negating the potential for neurotoxic damage. Not only do they alleviate neurotoxicity, but you will find your roll to be much more smooth and grant you with a beautiful afterglow instead of a hangover. Here are a few essential supplements that are key to a proper regimen. If you are unable to purchase these supplements or take them as advised, I will recommend that green tea, orange juice, or Emergen-C packets as they will lightly aide in providing antioxidants. However, these two should NOT be considered an all inclusive replacement. They come recommended on a "better than nothing" basis and pressure should be placed on picking up the appropriate supplements.
* Na-R-ALA (Alpha Lipoic Acid): This is a powerful antioxidant that eliminates free roaming reactive oxygen and nitrogen particles, in turn reducing neurotoxicity. Dose 100mg of Na-R-ALA 30 minutes prior to rolling and 2 hours into the roll. Ensure that you purchase the Na-R-ALA isomer form of ALA. While Racemic ALA is okay, Na-R-ALA is much more efficient.
* Magnesium glycinate: Magnesium is a phenomenal substance that will alleviate the bruxism (jaw clenching) and fasciculations (muscle twitches) commonly experienced when taking MDA. Dose 400mg elemental magnesium glycinate 6 hours prior to rolling, again 30 minutes prior, and finally 2 hours into the roll. Be sure you purchase either magnesium glycinate (preferred) or magnesium citrate. The most common form, magnesium oxide, is not readily absorbed, so completely avoid it.
* Vitamin C: The most common antioxidant out there and has been shown to mitigate MDA induced hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Dose 1,000mg of vitamin C 30 minutes prior to rolling.
* Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that will seek out free radicals. Dose 400 IU 30 minutes prior to rolling.
* Green Tea Extract (EGCG): EGCG is a potent antioxidant and diuretic. It will help with the urinary retention arising from MDA induced vasopressin release. Dose 400mg 30 minutes prior, and 2 hours into the roll.
* 5-HTP: 5-HTP is the direct precursor to serotonin. Supplementing 100mg of 5-HTP with 400mg of EGCG (EGCG will help 5-HTP cross the blood-brain barrier more efficiently) at bedtime for 5-7 days after rolling will aid your body in restoring serotonin to their proper levels. Warning: 5-HTP can cause cardiac fibrosis when used in high doses over extended periods of time, so avoid taking 5-HTP in high doses for more than 5-7 days.
* Melatonin: Melatonin is created from serotonin, and since your serotonin levels will be low, taking a melatonin supplement will help you fall asleep. Melatonin is also a powerful antioxidant. Take 5-10mg of melatonin prior to falling asleep after rolling.
In the end, the best advice that can be offered is to simply be smart. Know your limits, follow common sense, and remember exactly why you're taking MDA. Cherish and value the experience; don't tarnish it by abusing it and harming your mind and body.
Sources (CLEARNET)
* Supplements:
hxxp://www.geronova.com/sites/default/files/al ... 2008_0.pdf
hxxp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/p ... 6584710128
hxxp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15212815
hxxp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11931860
hxxp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14740000
* Neurotoxicity:
hxxp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7582557
hxxp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2457659
hxxp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1784586
hxxp://www.maps.org/publications/1987_stone_3.pdf
