Meth use affecting MDMA tolerance?

[looneytoon7]

So, I started taking MDMA/ecstasy early 2013. Then that escalated to meth use. For the last 6 months or so (I cut back a lot in the last 1 month), I was smoking meth approximately 3-6 days a week. I got sick of meth and it started to really fuck with my head and I also really missed the pill/MDMA buzz because I just wasn't getting the same high off meth anymore. I started trying pills again but most of the time they don't work or they put me in a reallllly weird headspace where I just feel really scattered and terrible and wired. Most of the time I had smoked meth before taking the pills as well. But there was one instance where I took 4 brown mitsubishis and 1 brown peace, no meth and I got that really scattered feeling. No pill buzz at all, just really scattered off 5 pills. So I'm wondering, can 6 months of relatively heavy meth use alter the way MDMA/ecstasy effects a person? Also, doing both at the same time, does that change the effects? Like, does meth "cancel out" the effects that MDMA has on the brain? Did I just get a whole bunch of really shit pills?

Although, I should probably add this... Last Friday, I had 2 white versaces and 2 white rolexs. Lets say, I definitely felt the effects and was dancing around and chatting to everyone but on pill report, people who consider their tolerance to be med-high have had 1 or 2 of the versaces and that was enough for them. Whereas, I had 4 of the best pills around melbourne at the moment, felt really really good but still could of had more. And its not like my tolerance would be high because I take pills really often or anything, because I rarely do. So I guess what I'm trying to ask, the fact that meth damages your dopamine and seratonin receptors or whatever, does that change the way MDMA effects you? Do I just have a freakishly high tolerance to MDMA or something? Did I feel the effect of these pills because I have recently cut back my meth use a decent amount?

I don't think this makes a difference but I also use GHB.

 

[badrobot114]

Yeah, Meth(and Amphs in general) can definitely have some cross tolerance with MDMA. It goes without saying the Serotonergic neurotoxicity from the Meth can also factor in big time.

Amphetamine(and Dopa agonists in general) give such a shitty high IMO, not even remotely worth the potential damage. Meth is amazing in low doses for productivity, mental beefing and treating ADHD IME(but always remember YMMV). Of course that also means using very low oral doses which are harmless and aren't habit forming in the least.

Having ADHD is probably why I can't seem to enjoy Dopamine highs. Oh well, more power to me right?

 

[angeleyes]

Looney when you said the most of the times you did meth THEN took the pills that would definitely diminish the "WOOAAAHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAA" factor as I like to call it that MD gives.

The consistent drug use is definitely having an effect, (the GHB because it's GABAergic wouldn't be playing such a large factor than compared to the meth but you know, it's probably not helping either haha), having said that your worries about the meth and serotonin, it's divided because some studies have said that YES it does have an effect and others say NO it doesn't:

http://www.macalester.edu/academics/psychology/whathap/ubnrp/meth08/biochemistry/serotonin.htm

Because of the widespread circuirtry, activation of the serotonin system affects large areas of the brain. Methamphetamine affects the serotonin systems in several different ways. Some research indicates that serotonin levels increase, some say serotonin levels decrease. One study found that methamphetamine promoted the increase of serotonin at a rate of three times greater than amphetamine, its parent compound (Kuczenski et al., 1995). Serotonin in the synaptic cleft builds up in two ways: 1) inhibiting the reuptake process and 2) reversing the transport of serotonin.

...

Other research has found that long-term use of methamphetamine may decrease serotonin levels (Seiden et al., 1975/1976). Introducing methamphetamines into the serotonergic neurons may eventually disrupt the synthesis and release of serotonin into the synaptic cleft. There may be no postsynaptic potential produced and thus serotonin system is inhibited.. Decreased levels of serotonin correspond to a decreased amount of activation of serotonergic neurons and results in changes in behavior. Because of the decreased levels of serotonin, a person is likely to exhibit violent behavior, anxiety, depression, impulsiveness, and could have a propensity towards drug and alcohol abuse.

Furthermore, methamphetamine kills serotonergic neurons and thus a methamphetamine user’s brain may forever be lacking or have decreased levels of serotonin, which may certainly affect various aspects of normal functioning. A person needs a relatively high level of serotonin to maintain a manageable level of aggressiveness as well as an overall feeling happiness. Because of a decreased amount of serotonergic neurons, a methamphetamine user will always have an inadequate amount of serotonin levels. This will results in permanent changes in behavior and mood, such as feelings of depression and guilt.

It's a 40 year old study so take it with a pinch of salt but in all seriousness I completely agree with it, it's surely having an effect and 6 months of heavy use on the level you were doing would definitely play a factor IMO.

Also how often are you doing MD? Should be keeping it to once a month max if you can, otherwise it could lead to some mental problems with heavy and consistent use.


Tbh if you want the feeling you really want back again, the only option is to take a long break, it truly is the only way. The brain is an amazing thing and you'll be surprised just how much it can repair itself, the only catch is you really have to focus on your health during this repair time to really reap the benefits.

Endulging once in awhile would be less harmful than repeating the same actions, but if you reeeealllly want your brain to repair then sobriety will only make things better and not worse.

Best of luck and welcome to Bluelight.

 

[Desohigh]

How can people use meth by knowing its dangerous effects to human body?
Damn, it's weird.
Anyway, they've cross tolerance so you need to choose between them.

For HR, decrease your meth use OP if u care your health.

 

[Clocktower]

All drugs may have dangerous effects on the human body, meth does cause problems for many people but that doesn't mean that everybody who uses it is irresponsible.

That said, OP's use was quite heavy and as has been mentioned that kind of use will certainly affect MDMA tolerance.

 

[Mr. Mayor]

Meth is notorious for it's bad affects that is a common thing not to mention it's affect on the psyche.
Amp's cross tolerance will mess with the mdma high