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MDMA: Difference between revisions
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==== Neurophysiology ==== | ==== Neurophysiology ==== | ||
The change in neural activity coupled with the release of the | The change in neural activity coupled with the release of the neurochemicals / neuromodulators above cause a reduction in communication between the medial temporal lobe and the medial prefrontal cortex, which play roles in emotional control. Collectively, these effects work contrary to the patterns observed in individuals experiencing anxiety.<ref>'''3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) impairs the extinction and reconsolidation of fear memory in rats.''' Hake, H. S. et al. ''Physiol. Behav.'' 199, 343–350 (2019). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6557441/</ref><ref>'''Oxytocin-dependent reopening of a social reward learning critical period with MDMA.''' Nardou, R. et al. ''Nature'' 569, 116–120 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038%2Fs41586-019-1075-9</ref> | ||
== Effects == | == Effects == | ||
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=== Long Term === | === Long Term === | ||
MDMA has been shown to assist in improving emotional understanding and management, as well as coping strategies. This is primarily due to its ability to enhance the [[Fear Memory Extinction|fear memory extinction]] and alter the brain's association with trauma, resulting in reduced activation of the amygdala. Such changes can lead to a shifted perspective and more effective processing of traumatic experiences. Additionally, MDMA may influence the reconsolidation of fear memories, possibly through its effects on oxytocin or the activation of serotonin 5HT1B receptors. These effects have been observed to enhance social behaviors in animal studies. | MDMA has been shown to assist in improving emotional understanding and management, as well as coping strategies. This is primarily due to its ability to enhance the [[Fear Memory Extinction|fear memory extinction]] and alter the brain's association with trauma, resulting in reduced activation of the amygdala. Such changes can lead to a shifted perspective and more effective processing of traumatic experiences. Additionally, MDMA may influence the reconsolidation of fear memories, possibly through its effects on oxytocin or the activation of serotonin 5HT1B receptors. These effects have been observed to enhance social behaviors in animal studies. | ||
=== Clinical Use === | |||
MDMA is often quoted as being used to treat the "shadow self". This is deemed by many as important before going into a full psychedelic experience as it can resolve hidden trauma which may arise during the psychedelic experience. | |||
=== Other Effects === | === Other Effects === | ||
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== Adverse Effects == | == Adverse Effects == | ||
==== Toxicity ==== | |||
Historically, there was a significant study that suggested MDMA (ecstasy) was toxic. However, this study was later retracted. Despite this retraction, MDMA is still commonly believed to be potentially neurotoxic, potentially causing an overload of dopamine in the brain. Yet, according to a long-term study, there's little proof of any decline in cognitive abilities in people who use ecstasy, except for a noted decrease in strategic self-regulation. This could indicate a tendency towards increased impulsivity in users.<ref>'''Residual neurocognitive features of long-term ecstasy users with minimal exposure to other drugs.''' Addiction. Halpern JH, Sherwood AR, Hudson JI, Gruber S, Kozin D, Pope HG Jr. 2011 Apr;106(4):777-86. doi: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.03252.x. Epub 2011 Feb 15. PMID: 21205042; PMCID: PMC3053129.</ref>. | |||
When caffeine is administered alongside MDMA in rats, it significantly increases the immediate toxic effects of MDMA. These effects include elevated core body temperature, rapid heart rate, and a higher death rate. Furthermore, combining caffeine with MDMA also amplifies the long-term damage to the brain's serotonin system caused by MDMA.<ref>'''Caffeine provokes adverse interactions with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'ecstasy') and related psychostimulants: mechanisms and mediators.''' Vanattou-Saïfoudine N, McNamara R, Harkin A. Br J Pharmacol. 2012 Nov;167(5):946-59. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.02065.x. PMID: 22671762; PMCID: PMC3492978.</ref>. | |||
==== MDMA Comedown ==== | ==== MDMA Comedown ==== | ||