Comedown (drugs)

Comedown refers to the after effects of heavy recreational stimulant use, usually ecstasy, but also amphetamine and cocaine. It can be characterised by depression, apathy, anxiety, paranoia and insomnia. These effects are caused by poor nutrition, lack of sleep and dehydration. A depletion of the neurotransmitter serotonin, released into the brain in large quantities by ecstasy, also plays a role in the effects of comedown.

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Some users choose to counter the effects of comedowns by consuming benzodiazapines, antidepressants or cannabis. However, these practices, while effective among some users, are not recommended by doctors. Consuming foods high in Vitamin C (such as oranges) as well as other essential vitamins and minerals are recommended, as is consuming food high in tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin.

There are several commercially available products available to users of stimulants to counteract comedowns. These usually consist of multivitamins as well as serotonin precursors.

Sources

• Drugscope
• Ravesafe