Drugs and oxidative stress

[class-a-team]

So I'm wondering about the relationship between certain drugs and oxidative stress. I'm not scientific-minded at all but I still want to make an informed decision. The drug I wanted to take originally was MDMA, but when I found out that when MDMA is combined with the antiobiotic I'm on (Nitrofurantoin) it may result in oxidative stress.

So as an alternative I'm thinking of using aMT instead. Would this pose the same problems as MDMA?

 

[Treacle]

There's only one or two antibiotics that interfere with the metabolism of MDMA. I've never even heard of yours, but there's a thread on Bluelight which lists them. I wouldn't be concerned. It's like the drinking on antibiotics myth... Total shit, unless it's one (metronidazole).

 

[Ismene]

Is this the whole "free radical" theory? The last I read that was bullshit dreamed up to sell worthless supplements. Your body has been dealing with "free radicals" by itself for the last 2 million years, as does every other living thing.

 

[Mailmonkey]

This is the kind of thing Ecstasy Discussion probably have a wealth of theories about.

I'm going to move this thread there, or try to, I've never moved a thread to another forum before...

ED mods, if this thread makes it to you, feel free to move it elsewhere you think it might be more suited...

 

[JWills20]

Oxidative stress occurs from a whole range of things. Exercise, as an example, causes 'oxidative stress'. MDMA-induced oxidative stress refers to an increase in free-radicals in the brain. Free-radicals are bad because they're particularly good at binding to just about anything they like and cause damage when doing so. The theory behind MDMA-induced oxidative stress is that a depletion in serotonin results in an increase in dopamine free radicals, as serotonin partially regulates dopamine release. Therefore, when serotonin is depleted - such as MDMA - dopamine increases and binds to serotonin receptors. But dopamine is not designed for serotonin receptors so it damages the receptor. Furthermore, the enzymes that typically break-down serotonin come along and break down dopamine resulting in hydrogen peroxide. This hydrogen peroxide 'oxidizes' part of cell which does not normally get oxidized which can result in damage.


It is important to note that the brain can protect against oxidative stress through its own natural mechanisms. It only normally occurs when doses of MDMA become large or if enzymes that break down MDMA are inhibited. I'd hazard a guess that your anti-biotic might inhibit an enzyme that breaks down MDMA, hence the 'may cause increased oxidative stress' warning. If you were to take a small-medium dose, the chances are that an increase in oxidative stress might not even be significant. However, i'd still err on the side of caution.

f you still want to take MDMA on your antibiotic, then I'd suggest supplementing an anti-oxidant - such as Vitamin C. Anti-oxidants are proposed to protect the cell against the oxidative damage which may occur.

Have a read through this if you're interested - http://dancesafe.org/drug-information/ecstasy-slideshow

 

[blight12]

If oxidative stress is something you are worried about, there is a lesser known but super awesome supplement for this besides the usual stuff. Try out a glutathione supplement (it is the most powerful natural antioxidant there is apparently), they usually only work properly by using precursors. There are two popular brands, but i cant mention them. Dont get tabs they dont work since it cant be absorbed orally.

Or just supplement by using the percursors like NAC but they have some issues of their own, i know NAC does for longer term use. Anyways unlike other anitoxidants, supplementing glutathione has noticeably benefits on health from the first dose, you feel so much better in many ways. I think its a great heath related option for drug users as well. I use it to great effect personally.