Methylone, a rapid acting entactogen with robust anxiolytic and antidepressant-like activity
Frontiers in Psychiatry January 10, 2023 Jennifer Warner‐Schmidt, Christopher Pittenger, Martin Stogniew et al. 11 citations
Methylone, a rapid-acting entactogen, produced a stronger and more durable antidepressant-like effect in rats than the standard SSRI fluoxetine. A single dose of methylone reduced immobility in the Forced Swim Test by nearly 95% compared to controls, with effects lasting at least 72 hours, whereas three doses of fluoxetine caused a 50% reduction lasting less than 24 hours. Methylone also showed anxiolytic effects, increasing time spent in the center of an open field. Fluoxetine pretreatment did not alter methylone's effects, suggesting possible co-administration. These results indicate methylone may have potential for treating depression and anxiety.