Does Lexapro feel like Molly? ( 3 differences)
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
In this article, we will discuss whether Lexapro feels like Molly, the key similarities and differences between the two and what might be the potential risk of taking the two drugs together.
Does Lexapro feel like Molly?
No, Lexapro (escitalopram) does not feel like Molly (3,4, Methylenedioxymethamphetamine – MDMA). These are two different drugs, but can produce similar effects. However, Lexapro’s effects are more gradual and subtle whereas, the effects of Molly or MDMA are more intense and immediate.
Molly (MDMA) produces euphoria whereas Lexapro is rarely associated with euphoria.
Molly is the street name for the recreational drug MDMA (3,4, Methylenedioxymethamphetamine). It is a psychedelic drug while Lexapro is an antidepressant. Lexapro and Molly should not be taken together as it can be dangerous. The additive effect of the two drugs may lead to serotonin syndrome.
What are the key similarities between Lexapro and Molly?
Lexapro and Molly are two substances with different purposes. As a healthcare provider, it is important to clarify the similarities and potential influence of both drugs on serotonin levels. The key similar features of these drugs are as follows.
Serotonin influence
Both Lexapro and Molly have a general influence on the serotonin levels in the brain, albeit through different mechanisms. Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or SSRI that increases the serotonin levels in the brain (1).
Molly increases the release of serotonin in the synaptic cleft, hence increasing the serotonin levels. Both drugs influence serotonin and increase the levels of serotonin (2).
Neurotransmitter impact
The modulation of the serotonin level in the brain is a shared feature. Lexapro stabilizes serotonin levels to manage mood and anxiety disorders (3).
While Molly’s serotonin surge contributes to its euphoric and empathogenic effects (4). Both drugs impact the serotonin levels to influence moods.
Indirect mood impact
Lexapro indirectly influences mood by alleviating the symptoms of anxiety and depression while Molly directly induces mood alterations often leading to euphoria (5). Both drugs elevate the mood of patients.
Potential of misuse
Both substances have the potential for misuse, with Lexapro misuse generally stemming from non-medical use or misuse of prescription drugs and the misuse of Molly is associated with recreational drug use.
What are the key differences between Lexapro and Molly?
The significant differences between Lexapro and Molly are:
Primary purpose
Lexapro is a prescription medication used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. The main goal of Lexapro is to reduce symptoms associated with mental health disorders and to stabilize mood (6).
Molly (MDMA) is an illicit recreational drug. It is often used for its stimulant and empathogenic effects including feelings of euphoria, emotional closeness and sensory enhancement (5).
Mechanism of action
Lexapro (escitalopram) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or SSRI that works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin neurotransmitters and increasing their levels in brain cells (7).
Molly (MDMA) is a substance that increases the levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine by increasing their release or secretions in the synaptic cleft (8).
Legal status
Lexapro is a legal prescription drug that is used for various clinical and therapeutic purposes under the guidance of the healthcare provider. Molly, on the other hand, is an illicit drug used for non-medical purposes.
Can Lexapro and Molly be taken together?
No, Lexapro and Molly should not be taken together. The concurrent use of Lexapro and Molly can lead to the following.
Serotonin syndrome: Both Lexapro and Molly increase the levels of serotonin in the brain. Combining them increases the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by symptoms like agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate and high fever (9).
Cardiovascular risks: Molly can increase heart rate or blood pressure (10). When taken with Lexapro which also has mild cardiovascular effects (11), the combined effect on the cardiovascular system can be dangerous, particularly for those who have underlying cardiovascular issues.
Psychological effect: The combination of Lexapro and MDMA can result in unpredictable psychological effects, potentially exacerbating symptoms of anxiety, depression or mood instability.
Conclusion
In my opinion, taking Lexapro does not feel the same as taking Molly. Molly induces an immediate euphoric effect whereas, Lexapro gradually shows its effects and euphoria is not the very prominent effect of Lexapro.
Molly is an illegal recreational drug that does more bad than good to the body, hence it must be avoided.
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References
1.-
Landy, K. (2023, January 28). Escitalopram. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557734/
2.-
What are MDMA’s effects on the brain? | National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021, April 13). National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/mdma-ecstasy-abuse/what-are-mdmas-effects-on-brain
3.-
Kasper S, Sacher J, Klein N, Mossaheb N, Attarbaschi-Steiner T, Lanzenberger R, Spindelegger C, Asenbaum S, Holik A, Dudczak R. Differences in the dynamics of serotonin reuptake transporter occupancy may explain superior clinical efficacy of escitalopram versus citalopram. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2009 May;24(3):119-25. [PubMed] [Reference list]
4.-
Figurasin, R. (2022, September 4). 3,4-Methylenedioxy-Methamphetamine Toxicity. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538482/
5.-
Passie T, Benzenhöfer U. MDA, MDMA, and other “mescaline-like” substances in the US military’s search for a truth drug (1940s to 1960s). Drug Test Anal. 2018 Jan;10(1):72-80. [PubMed] [Reference list]
6.-
Bandelow B, Andersen HF, Dolberg OT. Escitalopram in the treatment of anxiety symptoms associated with depression. Depress Anxiety. 2007;24(1):53-61. doi: 10.1002/da.20141. PMID: 16937393.
7.-
Berger M, Gray JA, Roth BL. The expanded biology of serotonin. Annu Rev Med. 2009;60:355-66. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Reference list]
8.-
de la Torre R, Farré M, Roset PN, Pizarro N, Abanades S, Segura M, Segura J, Camí J. Human pharmacology of MDMA: pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and disposition. Ther Drug Monit. 2004 Apr;26(2):137-44. doi: 10.1097/00007691-200404000-00009. PMID: 15228154.
9.-
Dobry Y, Rice T, Sher L. Ecstasy use and serotonin syndrome: a neglected danger to adolescents and young adults prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Int J Adolesc Med Health. 2013;25(3):193-9. doi: 10.1515/ijamh-2013-0052. PMID: 24006318.
10.-
Meyer JS. 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA): current perspectives. Subst Abuse Rehabil. 2013;4:83-99. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Reference list]
11.-
Hasnain M, Howland RH, Vieweg WV. Escitalopram and QTc prolongation. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2013 Jul;38(4):E11. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Reference list]
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