Clinical TrialNeuroimaging & Brain MeasuresMDMAPlaceboCompleted

MDMA and memory

Double‑blind, randomised, placebo‑controlled crossover study (n=12) testing a single oral 75 mg dose of MDMA versus placebo on prospective and verbal memory in recreational MDMA users.

Target Enrollment
16 participants
Study Type
interventional
Design
Randomized, double Blind
Registry
NTR / NL1355

Detailed Description

This double‑blind, placebo‑controlled crossover study assessed the acute effects of a single 75 mg oral dose of MDMA on prospective and verbal memory during fMRI.

Twelve recreational MDMA users completed MDMA and placebo sessions with behavioural memory tasks and BOLD fMRI measured between 1.5 and 2.5 hours post‑dose to identify neural correlates of memory impairment.

Primary outcomes were prospective and verbal memory performance and related BOLD responses; secondary outcomes included reaction time and number of correct responses.

Study Protocol

Preparation

sessions

Dosing

2 sessions
150 min each

Integration

sessions

Study Arms & Interventions

MDMA 75 mg

experimental

Single oral MDMA 75 mg session (crossover design).

Interventions

  • MDMA75 mg
    via Oral• single dose• 1 doses total

    fMRI assessments 1.5–2.5 hours post-dose

Placebo

inactive

Matching placebo tablet (crossover).

Interventions

  • Placebo
    via Oral• single dose• 1 doses total

    Matching placebo

Participants

Ages
18 – 99
Sexes
Male & Female

Inclusion Criteria

  • 1. Experience with the use of MDMA (at least 5 times in the past 12 months).
  • 2. Free from psychotropic medication.
  • 3. Good physical health as determined by examination and laboratory analysis.
  • 4. Absence of any major medical (except OAC), endocrine or neurological condition.
  • 5. Normal weight, body mass index between 18 and 28 kg/m2.
  • 6. Suitable for fMRI as confirmed by the fMRI checklist.
  • 7. Written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria

  • 1. History of drug abuse (other than the use of MDMA) or addiction.
  • 2. Pregnancy or lactation.
  • 3. Cardiovascular abnormalities as assessed by standard 12‑lead ECG.
  • 4. Excessive drinking (>20 alcoholic consumptions per week).
  • 5. Hypertension (diastolic >100 mmHg; systolic >170 mmHg).
  • 6. Current or history of psychiatric disorder.
  • 7. Presence of metal substances/parts in the body (fMRI exclusion criterion).

Study Details

Locations

Netherlands

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