MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine)

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) commonly known as ecstasy (E), is a psychoactive drug in the amphetamine classes of drugs with both stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. Under the DSM-5, it is officially classified as a hallucinogen.

• MDMA is most famously known as a recreational drug, but is now being investigated for use in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

• MDMA is an agonist at the 5HT_2A receptor
  • The serotonin receptor action is responsible for the hallucinogenic effects.
• MDMA also has actions on dopamine and norepinephrine (NE) release (NE is thought to have effects on the cardiovascular system).

• Desired effects include increased empathy, euphoria, and heightened sensations. When taken by mouth, effects begin after 30–45 minutes and last 3–6 hours.
• MDMA intoxication: hallucinogenic stimulant: euphoria, hallucinations, disinhibition, hyperactivity, increased thirst, bruxism, distorted sensory and time perception.
  • Life-threatening effects include hypertension, tachycardia, hyperthermia, hyponatremia, serotonin syndrome.
    • Fatal hyperthermia can be a consequence from MDMA use in rare cases.^[1]
• MDMA withdrawal: depression, fatigue, change in appetite, difficulty concentrating, anxiety.

• ScienceMag: All clear for the decisive trial of ecstasy in PTSD patients