Role of Serotonin in Acute and Subacute MDMA Effects
Information source: California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this data on August 23, 2015
Link to the current ClinicalTrials.gov record.
Condition(s) targeted: MDMA Mechanism of Action
Intervention: MDMA and citalopram (Drug); Placebo (Drug)
Phase: N/A
Status: Completed
Sponsored by: California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute
Summary
The purpose of this study is to measure the effects of MDMA (particularly its emotional
effects) and to determine the role of serotonin in these effects. Serotonin is a
neurotransmitter, which is a chemical that is released by some brain cells to communicate
with other brain cells. Many of the effects of MDMA are thought to be the result of
increased serotonin release.
In order to understand the effects of MDMA and role of serotonin in these effects, we will
administer MDMA alone and in combination with the antidepressant citalopram (one trade name
for this is Celexa). Citalopram decreases the ability of MDMA to release serotonin.
Citalopram will therefore decrease any of MDMA's effects that are the result of serotonin
release; we want to measure this.
Clinical Details
Study design: Allocation: Randomized, Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Investigator), Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Primary outcome: To determine if administration of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) citalopram decreases the subacute (post 24hr) discontinuation effects of MDMA in experienced MDMA users given a modest dose of MDMA
Secondary outcome: To determine if administration of the SSRI citalopram decreases the acute (post 1 to 4hr) social and emotional and cognitive effects of MDMA
Eligibility
Minimum age: 18 Years.
Maximum age: 50 Years.
Gender(s): Both.
Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Healthy men or women aged 18 to 50 years
- Experienced with MDMA
Exclusion Criteria:
- Significant physical or psychiatric illness which might impair the ability to safely
complete the study or that might be complicated by the study drugs, including prior
seizures (after age 8), history of major depression, or other active neurological
disease or clinically significant abnormalities on physical examination or screening
laboratory values
Locations and Contacts
CPMC Research Institute, St.Luke's Hospital, San Francisco, California 94110, United States
Additional Information
Starting date: February 2009
Last updated: May 29, 2013
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