Substances | MDMA

Synonyms

E, X, Xtasy, XTC, Molly

Class

Stimulant

Mechanism of action

MDMA increases the net release of the monoamine neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and to a lesser extent, dopamine. MDMA binds to serotonin transporters, preventing reuptake and thus increasing serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft. The net release of serotonin is the primary mechanism of action responsible for the characteristic effects (though dopamine may be an additional mediator). [1]

Medical use

Currently being investigated for use in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) [2-3]

Administration routes

Oral or Intranasally “Snorting.
“Molly” is a powder form which can be snorted, put into a capsule and ingested, or parachuted in a piece of tissue.
“X,” “Ecstasy,” “MDMA,” and “E” often refer to pill or tablet forms, which are sometimes pressed into colorful flinstone-vitamin-like tablets.

Effect

"Upper

Increases feelings of emotional warmth and connection, extroversion, feelings of happiness and well-being, increases ability to discuss emotionally-charged memories, increases visual, sound, and touch sensory perception [4-5]

Safety Strategies

Citations & Reading

[1] Kalant H. The pharmacology and toxicology of "ecstasy" (MDMA) and related drugs. CMAJ. 2001;165(7):917-928.
[2] Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). A Phase 3 Program of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Severe Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): MAPS
[3] Krediet E, Bostoen T, Breeksema J, van Schagen A, Passie T, Vermetten E. Reviewing the Potential of Psychedelics for the Treatment of PTSD. The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology. 2020;23(6):385-400.
[4] Baggott MJ, Coyle JR, Siegrist JD, Garrison KJ, Galloway GP, Mendelson JE. Effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine on socioemotional feelings, authenticity, and autobiographical disclosure in healthy volunteers in a controlled setting. J Psychopharmacol. 2016;30(4):378-387.
[5] Hysek CM, Schmid Y, Simmler LD, et al. MDMA enhances emotional empathy and prosocial behavior. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci. 2014;9(11):1645-1652.