Rankings / Cognitive — Nootropics
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine)
Cognitive · Entactogen
Tier C
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.
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.