methylenedioxymethamphetamine

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a synthetic psychoactive compound that acts as an empathogen-entactogen. It primarily functions as a potent monoamine releasing agent and reuptake inhibitor, significantly increasing synaptic levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Its primary mechanism involves reversing the direction of the serotonin transporter (SERT), while also interacting with the norepinephrine (NET) and dopamine (DAT) transporters. In the specific context of research at Johns Hopkins University, MDMA is being evaluated in Phase 1 clinical trials to characterize its subjective and psychedelic-like effects in healthy volunteers, often in comparison with classic psychedelics like psilocybin and other psychoactive substances like ketamine and DMT. This research aims to delineate the unique phenomenological profile of MDMA within the broader landscape of psychoactive compounds.

Brand names

EcstasyMolly

Other names

3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetaminemidomafetamineEcstasyMolly