This study will examine how the drug methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) impacts response to
different types of memory in humans compared to placebo. MDMA is an experimental drug and is
illegal to possess outside of research; when sold illegally it is referred to as Ecstasy or
Molly (material supposedly containing MDMA). MDMA may make it easier to face unpleasant
memories and reduce anxiety, and it may do so in part by influencing response to memories.
This study will enroll healthy adults who will need to come in for three visits over four
days. At visit 1, participants will undergo a 1-hour startle test. The startle test measures
eye-blink response to loud sounds. After this, the participant will also view different
colored shapes presented on a computer monitor. While watching the computer monitor, the
participant will experience several brief blasts of air directed at the throat, while
eye-blink is measured with sensors under the eye. The following day at visit 2, participants
will be randomized to receive placebo or 100 mg MDMA and will complete tasks similar to the
ones completed the previous day. Participants who agree to do so will have blood drawn to
measure the neurohormones oxytocin and cortisol and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
before and after drug administration on Visit 2. The researchers will measure pulse, blood
pressure and temperature once before and seven times after receiving MDMA or placebo, and
study participants will complete a questionnaire about their experience. Two days after
receiving MDMA or placebo, participants will return for a third visit to complete similar
tasks to previous visits. This study will also measure sleep through a sleep diary and
actigraphy, which is a device worn on the wrist like a watch that records movement during
sleep and lets researchers see how much sleep a person is getting.
Phase:
Phase 1
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies