MDMA

Lore & Background

It was used to enhance psychotherapy beginning in the 1970s and became popular as a street drug in the 1980s. MDMA is commonly used by attendees of dance parties, raves, and electronic dance music festivals. Tablets sold as ecstasy may be mixed with other substances such as ephedrine, amphetamine, and methamphetamine.

Reader's Guide

MDMA acts primarily by increasing the release of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in parts of the brain. It belongs to the substituted amphetamine classes of drugs and is structurally similar to mescaline, methamphetamine, and endogenous monoamine neurotransmitters. MDMA has limited approved medical uses in a small number of countries, but is illegal in most jurisdictions. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy may substantially improve PTSD symptoms, response, and remission rates compared to psychotherapy alone, but the evidence is low to very low certainty and safety data are limited, with some increased transient adverse events. In the United States, the FDA has given MDMA breakthrough therapy status. Canada has allowed limited distribution of MDMA upon application to and approval by Health Canada. In Australia, it may be prescribed in the treatment of PTSD by specifically authorised psychiatrists.

Did You Know?

• MDMA acts primarily by increasing the release of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in parts of the brain.
• MDMA-assisted psychotherapy may substantially improve PTSD symptoms, but the evidence is low to very low certainty.