Rankings / Mood, Anxiety & Stress
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine)
Mood, Anxiety & Stress · Entactogen
Tier C
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) as C (5.1/10) based on moderate evidence, med-high benefit magnitude, and a med-high-risk safety profile.
FDA rejected Lykos (formerly MAPS PBC) NDA for MDMA-AT in PTSD August 2024 — citing functional unblinding, trial design, and therapist sexual misconduct in Ph2.
Typical use: 80-125 mg PO in clinical protocols; recreational doses highly variable and often adulterated — Schedule I US; expanded access in Australia for PTSD.
What this is
FDA rejected Lykos (formerly MAPS PBC) NDA for MDMA-AT in PTSD August 2024 — citing functional unblinding, trial design, and therapist sexual misconduct in Ph2. Lykos required to run new Ph3. Pure MDMA vs street 'ecstasy' (often adulterated/contaminated) is a major harm-reduction issue.
Mechanism
Massive serotonin release via SERT reversal; also dopamine/norepinephrine release; oxytocin release; acute prosocial and empathogenic effects
Dose & route
80-125 mg PO in clinical protocols; recreational doses highly variable and often adulterated
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34625704/
- https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9556077/
Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.
Common questions
- Does MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) work?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) as Moderate and the benefit magnitude as med-high, producing an overall grade of C (5.1/10). FDA rejected Lykos (formerly MAPS PBC) NDA for MDMA-AT in PTSD August 2024 — citing functional unblinding, trial design, and therapist sexual misconduct in Ph2.
- Is MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) safe?
- MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) has a med-high risk profile in published human data. Legal status: Schedule I US; expanded access in Australia for PTSD. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
- What is the typical dose for MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine)?
- 80-125 mg PO in clinical protocols; recreational doses highly variable and often adulterated
- How does MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) work?
- Massive serotonin release via SERT reversal; also dopamine/norepinephrine release; oxytocin release; acute prosocial and empathogenic effects
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.