Risk of MDMA use in early pregnancy

I took MDMA without knowing I was pregnant. What is the risk in early pregnancy?

I took MDMA (a pink heart pill, about 150 mg) at a party a month ago. I  supposed that my period appeared the following week, and…surprise…I found out I was pregnant.

I feel really bad about the effects it may have had on my future child. The gynecologist told me that he does not know, that there are just a few studies, and that it is my responsibility. I have nightmares. No, I am not using drugs again. But I didn’t know that I had a pregancy at any time. To what extent is my child at risk?

Originally posted in SR 2.0 (Private 14/5/14) . Reviewed 20/7/22

Stay calm! The available scientific data suggests that sporadic and unintentional MDMA use during early pregnancy is unlikely to harm your baby. During pregnancy, only use necessary prescription drugs and talk to your doctor before taking any medications. Obviously, it is mandatory to avoid all recreational drugs.

Events like dental operations, taking antibiotics or pain relief drugs are common during early pregnancy. Very few medicines cause problems in isolation during the first few weeks of pregnancy because the fetus and placenta don’t establish circulation until later.

Amphetamine and methamphetamine are associated with fetal malformations in heart and face, but only in women who use these substances daily. . Studies on MDMA and pregnant animals also involve doses and frequencies that cannot be extrapolated to occasional use by humans.

It is worth noting that 10-15% of pregnancies end in miscarriage during the first trimester. This is natural since in many cases, chromosomal alterations and other malformations make the pregnancy unviable. Therefore, it is not uncommon for women to suffer miscarriages in the first few weeks of pregnancy. Even in this case, it is impossible to attribute this incident to MDMA sporadic use in the first weeks.

 

 

Cannabis urine detection

How long does THC stay in your system? Tips for passing a urine test

Hello. I have been a heavy cannabis user for the last 6-7 years, i am now been clean for 8 days, i train alot and have a healthy body, but now i have gotten a job and i need to pass a urine sample in 8 days, Is there anything i can use to get rid of this thc easier or do i have to wait ?, Wondering if i should take (Zydot Expellit) i was wondering what you mean about masking this urine sample.

Originally posted in SR 2.0 15/5/14 . Reviewed 20/2/22

Cannabis elimination has a constant rate. Drinking too much water, urine cleaners or doing exercise are useless to mask urine sample. Diluting it with water does not work (density of urine is also tested in exams). The only way to mask the urine is change with other person’s (if he or she does not use cannabis)

 

LSD microdosing

I have read about LSD microdosing. What is the right dosage and frequency? Does it have real health benefits?

Originally posted in The Hub 15/5/17 . Reviewed 20/2/22

LSD microdosing refers to taking small, sub-perceptual doses of the psychedelic drug LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide). The idea behind microdosing is to experience the potential benefits of LSD, such as increased creativity, focus, and productivity. But also avoid the intense psychedelic effects associated with a typical recreational dose.

So, a microdose of LSD typically ranges from around 5 to 20 micrograms, generally around 10-20% of a recreational dose. Microdosing is used on a schedule, with individuals taking a small amount every few days.

In fact, the effects of LSD microdosing are still a subject of research. But some anecdotal evidence suggests that it can lead to improvements in mood, focus, creativity, and social interactions. However, it’s important to note that LSD is still a powerful drug. Even at low doses, it can have side effects such as anxiety, paranoia, and changes in perception.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that LSD microdose may improve mood, creativity and social interactions.

Early data come from surveys of people who use LSD microdoses regularly and report improvement in mental health-related symptoms or «increased general well-being.»

One of these studies analyzed data from an online survey of 98 participants who had experience with microdosing. The study’s results suggest that microdosing with psychedelics may have potential benefits for treating specific health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. However, it is essential to note that the study has limitations, including small sample size and the potential for self-selection bias.

There are also anecdotal reports suggesting a possible effect in enhancing creativity

 A clinical trial published in 2020 aimed to investigate the effects of low doses of LSD on mood and cognitive performance in healthy volunteers.

The study involved 24 randomly assigned participants to receive a single dose of LSD or placebo, with the amount of LSD ranging from 5 to 20 micrograms. Results showed that a low dose of LSD (5 and 20 mcg) enhances sustained attention, affects mood state in a positive direction. But it also increases confusion, and reduces the speed of information processing.

In another study, volunteers used 6.5, 13, or 26 micrograms of LSD once a week for four weeks. The results of the study showed that participants who received microdoses of LSD reported slight changes in their subjective experience, including increased positive mood, increased attention, and enhanced sensory perception. However, these effects were subtle and did not significantly impact behavior or cognitive performance. 

So the available data suggest that small doses of LSD may have a different effect from the psychedelic effects of high dosages. But we cannot recommend or provide guidelines for its use as the number and quality of available studies are insufficient. We can highlight the following:

  • Doses above 20 micrograms may produce effects that are hardly compatible with daily activity, at least for some people.
  • Estimating such low doses from commercially available LSD can be very difficult. Scientific research uses pharmaceutical-grade LSD.
  • The appropriate frequency of use is unclear. User surveys indicate that some users take it «every day,» «every 48 hours», «once a week»… It should be borne in mind that, at least at usual doses, LSD produces pharmacological tolerance within a few days.
  •  The role of set and setting (user’s mindset and environment.) in the case of microdosing is also subject to study.
  •  It is also unclear whether microdose LSD is helpful to alleviate symptoms of illnesses (depression, anxiety…) or whether the possible effect would also benefit healthy people.

Cocaine and topical anesthetics

I’ve recently used Cocaine and found it to only give me a numbing sensation in the nose (becomes a little runny as expected) and throat (after it settles in). But there isn’t a strong stimulate feeling whatsoever. I’ve had more of a buzz from large doses of coffee even. Is this normal or would higher purity coke cause a lack of speediness?
I was a regular user of Ritalin as a child (about 5 years or so) if that matters.

Originally posted in SR 2.0 . Reviewed

There is no cross-tolerance between caffeine and cocaine. Drinking large doses of coffee does not affect the effects of cocaine.

Previous consumption of methylphenidate does not cause chronic cross-tolerance with other stimulants.

Numbing sensations are often thought to be indicative of cocaine purity. Cocaine is a skin and mucosal anaesthetic but so are other local anaesthetics (lidocaine, tetracaine, benzocaine…) which have no mental effects.

In fact, this group of drugs is among the usual adulterants of cocaine. They are used precisely to produce these sensations.

From the information you provide, low-quality cocaine adulterated with other local anaesthetics seems a likely cause of these «numbing sensations» without mental stimulation.

By the way, this is the correct way to make a coke line.

Isotretinoin and recreational drugs

If I take Isotretinoin, it’s safe to use LSD, Psylocibin, DMT, weed and alchool?
How often is to often to take LSD and DMT? What are harms of DMT?

Originally posted in SR 2.0 . Reviewed 20/2/22

Isotretinoin is a drug used in the treatment of some types of acne. Alcohol is the only drug strictly contraindicated with isotretinoin because of its toxic effect on the liver. All other substances listed are pharmacologically safe in combination with isotretinoin.

Some indirect data suggest that psilocybe mushrooms may also slightly increase the risk of liver problems in combination with isotretinoin. But in practice, no toxicity cases are reported, and this combination is probably safe.

Taking psychedelics is like going to Disneyworld (if you like Disney characters, of course). The first few times are extraordinary, but you will get tired and bored if you go too often. The frequency (in both cases) depends on personal preference. For some people, it’s twice a year. For others, once a month, but most people find it boring to do it every weekend. Generally, the less frequent the use, the greater the likelihood of enjoying the experience.

DMT, like other classic psychedelics, produces no effects. Harm is related to mental problems (anxiety, difficulty integrating the experience) or, very rarely, persistent mental health problems.