Empathogen-Entactogen

The terms empathogen and entactogen are different terms used to describe one class of hallucinogens that function as serotonin releasers; most of these are phenethylamines.

Related Topics:
Hallucinogens - Serotonin - Phenethylamine

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The term "empathogen" was coined in 1983 by Ralph Metzner to denote chemical agents inducing feelings of empathy.

Related Topics:
1983 - Ralph Metzner - Empathy

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"Entactogen" was coined by David E. Nichols as an alternative to "empathogen", attempting to avoid the potential for improper association of the latter with negative concepts related to the Greek root "pathos" (suffering); Nichols also thought the word was limiting, and did not cover other therapeutic uses for the drugs which go beyond instilling feelings of empathy. The word "entactogen" is derived from the roots "en" (Greek: within), "tactus" (Latin: touch) and "gen" (Greek: produce). Neither term is dominant in usage, and despite their difference in connotation are essentially interchangeable as they refer to precisely the same chemicals.

Related Topics:
David E. Nichols - Empathogen - Greek - Latin

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The best known drug of this class is MDMA ("ecstasy"); others include MDA, MDEA, and MBDB.

Related Topics:
MDMA - MDA - MDEA - MBDB

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