MDMA


3, 4 - Methylenedioxymethamphetamine aka XTC, “Ecstacy,” Molly, and "“The Love Drug,”

MDMA is a synthetic psychedelic, an amphetamine derivative of the drug classification of empathogen/enactogen that is currently under investigation in clinical trials for treating several mental health disorders.

MDMA stimulates release of the neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine along with hormones: oxytocin, vasopressin, cortisol, and prolactin. When these neurochemicals interact in such a dynamic way, a person will experience mind-altering effects along with an increase in body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate.

MDMA has a moderate potential for misuse and abuse.

All information shared below is not about MDMA as a recreational party drug, but instead as a therapeutic healing medicine when consumed in an ethically safe and controlled healing setting.

Indications Under Study

  • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

  • Anxiety for those with life-threatening illnesses

  • Social anxiety

  • Social anxiety for autistic adults

  • Anorexia nervosa

  • Binge Eating Disorder

  • Alcohol Use disorder

***MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is under investigation in clinical trials for treating several mental health disorders. The use of MDMA in a clinical setting occurs with trained therapists. The person undergoing treatment with MDMA is first prepared with two to four therapy sessions that are spaced a month apart. After having an experience with MDMA, they then continue the therapeutic process through several follow up/integration sessions where the person reflects on the journey, stabilizes insights, an develops a plan to continue their healing outside of therapy.***

Characteristics

  • Heightened Emotions

  • Feelings of Openness

  • Discovery of Boundless Love

  • Connectedness to Self, Others, and The Universe.

  • Increases body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate

***MDMA is contraindicated for people with a history of heart disease. The drug increases a persons blood pressure and heart rate and should be avoided to reduce unwanted complications.****

Effects

Positive Effects:

  • Euphoria

  • Heightened awareness and sensory perceptions

  • Feelings of Expansiveness

  • Feelings of Connectedness (or oneness) to self, others and the universe.

  • Increased energy and altertness

  • Increased empathy

Negative Effects:

  • Panic attacks

  • Increased anxiety

  • Confusion

  • Tension of the muscles, tremors, or shaking

  • Sweating

  • Blurred Vision

  • Jaw tension and grinding of the teeth

  • ***Moderate potential for addiction or problematic recreational use***

Legal Status

MDMA is a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance making it illegal nationwide.

BUT!!!! MDMA is leading the way in clinical trials proving to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) its therapeutic properties. When the drug is recognized for its benefits and made legal, it can responsibly be used to help people suffering from a number of mental health conditions.

Please vote and advocate for legalization of psychedelics in this 2024 election!

Dosing Used in Clinical Trials

Initial Dose: 75-125mg MDMA orally

Supplemental Dose: Two hours after the initial dose, a supplemental dose equal to half of the initial dose (37.5mg - 62.5mg orally ) is administered.

***The effects of MDMA last 6-8hours***

Adverse Reactions reported by >40% of participants in MDMA clinical trials

  • Difficulty Concentrating

  • Dizziness

  • Dry Mouth

  • Feeling Cold

  • Impaired Balance/Gait

  • Tightening of the jaw and clenching

  • Loss of Appetite

  • Restlessness

  • Restless legs

  • Thirst

Dosing Used in Non-Clinical Settings

  • Low Dose: 60-80mg

  • Moderate Dose: 81-130mg

  • High Dose: 131-200mg

  • Very High Dose: >200mg

***All doses are taken orally***