The Science of MDMA & Its Therapeutic Uses: Benefits & Risks | Huberman Lab Podcast

In this episode, I discuss methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), which is also commonly known as “ecstasy” or “molly,” including how it works in the brain to cause short- and long- term-shifts in emotional processing and its clinical applications for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol and other substance-use addictions. I discuss the neuronal mechanisms for how MDMA elevates mood, empathy, motivation, social engagement, and reduces “threat detection” and how these effects can synergistically support talk therapy. I also explain the ongoing debate about the potential neurotoxicity of MDMA, myths about the origins and treatments for post-MDMA “crash,” the evolving legal landscape around MDMA use for clinical purposes, and I caution recreational users about the extremely dangerous additives (e.g., fentanyl) now commonly found in black market MDMA. This should be of interest to those curious about MDMA, neuropharmacology, the origins of emotional processing in the brain, empathy, PTDS, neuroplasticity, mental health and psychiatry.

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Timestamps
00:00:00 MDMA “Ecstasy”
00:04:37 Sponsors: Helix Sleep, ROKA, HVMN
00:08:18 MDMA History & Synthesis; Legality
00:14:45 MDMA, Methamphetamine (Meth), Dopamine & Serotonin
00:23:30 MDMA vs Psychedelics vs Ketamine
00:26:54 MDMA & Serotonin 1B Receptor, Subjective Feelings, Trauma
00:33:36 Sponsor: AG1
00:34:51 Amygdala & Threat Detection, Pro-Social Behavior, MDMA Dosages
00:45:48 Interoception, MDMA & Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
00:52:36 Long-Term Effects, Threat Detection & PTSD
00:56:14 MDMA, Social Connection & Empathy; Meth, SSRIs
01:06:10 Sponsor: LMNT
01:07:22 Oxytocin & MDMA
01:16:10 Safety & Neurotoxicity; Recreational Use, Caffeine & Fentanyl
01:26:36 Is MDMA Neurotoxic?; Poly-Pharmacology, Body Temperature
01:37:07 Post-MDMA “Crash”, Prolactin & P 5 P
01:43:07 PTSD & Trauma; Talk Therapy, SSRIs
01:54:09 PTSD Treatment: Talk Therapy + MDMA
02:02:46 MDMA & Addiction; Dissociative PTSD & Empathy
02:09:47 Side-Effects?, MDMA Efficacy & Legality
02:15:22 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

[vanspoton]

My boyfriend and I started taking MDMA when we went to parties but realized that we're much happier doing it at home, talking hours and hours about our relationship and play games while forgetting about the hardships of life. We felt like kids again, and it did our relationship wonders. We stopped doing any other drugs like we used to. We are married now, and still do "date night" with MDMA on occasion and we treat it with respect. It honestly feels like this is better than any couples therapy for us - as we talk about our relationship and life issues and then have a very effective time empathizing and solving all possible issues. I definitely think MDMA should NOT be used recreationally (at parties) or without some sense of responsibility or therapy involved. It's also important to know that when you buy MDMA on the streets, you might have NO IDEA what it's mixed with unless you use a test kit.

[saltybaelv]

I don’t recommend this but this was my experience. Both my parents became addicted to meth when I graduated high school. They became homeless and so did I. My 14 yr old sister became pregnant and I had a 3 years old little brother at the time. All the responsibility fell on me at the age of 19. It was extremely traumatic, lots of domestic violence, verbal abuse, manipulation, extreme poverty, ect.. after placing my little brother with one grandma and my little sister with another grandma I went on my on to survive. I met friends that were older and in the rave scene. These people saved my life. They tested their MDMA and after taking it at raves I have always sweared it healed somthing in me. Today I’m 29, have an amazing husband, home, career, college degree, same friends and adopted my brother and I financially help my little sister and niece. I truly believe MDMA healed/assisted my PTSD. Love this talk.

[Phoenixrebirth]

Just had my first MDMA-assisted therapy session last week. The results are impressive. I was completely numb but in deep pain. I can finally feel emotions again. It's HARD, but I feel like I am finally making progress.

[ChristopherRyans]

I can't believe i'm just discovering this guy in the last month. Thank you for your pursuit of giving free education to us

[lilytea]

0:00: 🧪 MDMA, also known as ecstasy or Mali, is a synthetic compound with unique chemical and subjective effects.
11:40: 💊 MDMA is a synthetic compound that causes big increases in dopamine and even bigger increases in serotonin, leading to stimulant and pro-social effects.
24:26: 🧠 MDMA, also known as ecstasy, produces unique effects in the brain by increasing dopamine and serotonin levels, leading to increased energy, pleasure, and emotional warmth, as well as a desire to bond and trust.
36:42: 🧠 MDMA affects the brain in various ways, including reducing the response to threatening stimuli and increasing the perception of positive emotions.
48:25: 🧠 MDMA impacts the brain by increasing dopamine and serotonin levels, leading to changes in threat detection networks and pro-social effects.
1:01:03: 🧪 MDMA's effects on sociability and empathy are not solely due to increased levels of serotonin and oxytocin, but rather the activation of specific receptors in certain brain areas.
1:13:21: 🧪 The effects of MDMA are not directly related to the increases in oxytocin, and the neurotoxicity of MDMA is still debated.
1:25:31: 🧪 The potential neurotoxicity of MDMA is influenced by various factors such as the purity of the MDMA, the presence of other drugs, and the environmental conditions under which it is taken.
1:37:48: 💊 MDMA can cause a crash after ingestion, which is similar to crashes experienced after taking other stimulants like cocaine or amphetamines. The crash is likely due to an increase in prolactin, a hormone associated with lethargy and decreased dopamine. Some people are exploring the use of p5p, a metabolite of vitamin B6, to suppress prolactin and mitigate the crash.
1:50:41: ⭐ MDMA-assisted therapy has shown remarkable results in the treatment of PTSD, with an 88% success rate and 67% of patients achieving remission.
2:03:02: 🧪 MDMA combined with talk therapy shows promising results in the treatment of PTSD and other comorbid disorders.
2:15:05: 🧪 MDMA as a clinical tool and its importance
Recap by Tammy AI

[michaeljohns]

I am a 21 years old student and I can say with confidence that taking a huge dose of MDMA for my first time last year (1g shared by 4 approx) was by far the greatest experience of my life, providing me with a six weeks afterglow where I felt much happier than usual and ultimately helped me look deep down into parts of myself I had buried for a long time. I took it again three times after but the effects were far from being as good as the first time. I do not know what my future with the substance will be but for now I can say with confidence that MDMA is the thing that has helped me the most in terms of accepting oneself, recognizing flaws and unstable emotions, as well as having deeper compassion and understandings for my fellow others.

[BeastGanon]

Please do an episode on development of babies and children. I would really like to hear more on how the brain and behavior develops and use these to raise my child in better ways. Thank you Andrew Huberman!

[AssasianStudios]

I lacked the courage to commit to my girlfriend who I loved very much and who wanted to get married. I took MDMA alone one day and actually saw our future together. I liked what I saw and felt like it was ordained in some strange way. I resolved to propose within weeks. We've been married 14 years. I also got rid of my judgemental attitude towards other people. In my mind MDMA properly used is a miracle.

[darrenmontana]

Me, 63 years old. Suffering all my life. Depression, suicidal etc. I wont even call myself a sexual assault survivor because i am barely alive. Hit rock bottom, went to get the shotgun, my grown son convinced me to try MDMA. Not a drug user other than excessive booze but what a game changer. Im 150 pounds and i took a 120 mg dose. What a trip of a lifetime. I became the man i was suppose to be. A completely different person and perspective on myself and life. Its been 2 months. Taking another dose tomorrow . Clean tested supply, no crap ecstasy. Try it, you will appreciate it.

[corigunnells]

I'm grateful you devoted time and research to this treatment. For the first time I feel hopeful about my son. PTSD is a hell of its own.

[djalien]

I’m an emergency physician and I’ve found your podcast invaluable for my personal life. The bipolar disorder episode was fantastic. I’d love to hear one on schizophrenia!

[nightowlinsesh]

I took Mdma in a clinical setting. [Doctor reccomend] and wow! My major anxiety disorder vanished immediately after my first visit. Its like somebody turned off a light switch. This was 7 months ago. Never had to go back. Doctor wants me to go for more sessions but I simpley don't need to. Truely a blessing. It's like Mdma healed my brains imbalances. 🧠

[cherylnathanodette]

As always a wonderfully indepth and accurate description of the studies. Having taken MDMA previously socially I am in no way addicted but found I used it to keep my energy level up only. I don't wish any neurological condition on anybody and if the therapies help just one person recover, I'm all for it. You truly are an inspiration to many and your podcasts and work show your dedication. Thanks again. To anyone struggling I hope you find your cure whatever that may be.

[BrownGeorge-pwxo]

MDMA, LSD and psilocybin are amazing. I could remember several years ago, I was actually diagnosed with BPD. I also suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Not until my mom recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 8 years totally clean. Never thought I would be saying this about mushrooms.

[me]

I want to share a story about my partner.

They suffer from serious body dysmorphia, and struggle to love themselves. They've also dealt with impostor syndrome and major depressive disorder for most of their life. And we suspect undiagnosed ADHD as well. There was a time, mid 2021, where I was guiding them through their first time in a long time taking E together. I still remember, we were listening to the Nurture Album by Porter Robinson. The song playing while this all happened was "Look At The Sky". Great song.

Once our states stabilized a bit, I took them to the mirror, and said "I love you". They said it back to me. Then, I offered them a little challenge. I asked them to say "I love you" again, but to themselves. They hesitated, but managed. I took a step back, and asked them to do it again. They did, but with more confidence. And eventually I stepped out of the room, and let them talk to themselves for a bit as the song played. I got glimpses of the conversation. They emphatically said "I love you" back to themselves. They said they were proud of themselves, and how far they had come. A lot of people are proud of them, and they're doing alright. It really was wonderful to hear them say all of this.

When they were done, I could tell they had been crying a bit. It definitely seemed like an emotional experience. But they admitted to me that they did love themselves more than they initially believed, and that they wouldn't be able to love me the way they do if they didn't have any self-love at all. They've also achieved more than they give themselves credit for in their life, and they really are doing well for themselves, in spite of what those negative voices in their head may be saying.

They obviously still have a long way to go to fully conquering these demons, but it was amazing to hear them make all of these strides.

[stevebricks]

I have used MDMA twice as a young man whom suffered from combat related PTSD. I pray and wish the VA used this therapy instead of filling us with SSRI’s as they make me and most veterans I talk to feel like zombies. Thanks for bringing up this discussion.

[lejlateletovic]

MDMA is usually taken - at night, with other substances, in crowded, closed spaces. My best experience, by far, was the opposite: during the day, in nature (lake), with one person that I deeply love and trust. We took small dosages (half a pill per person), drank water and unsweetened juices, and rested regularly in the shade. I almost drowned when I was 12 and I still have fear of water. That day, I was able to swim further than ever before and felt way, waaaay more relaxed. I wonder if it's used for phobias, too. In the evening we had a nice dinner and had a good night's sleep. For context: I survived a brutal war as a kid and I have cPTSD. It's estimated that half of the population in my country has PTSD. There is no magic pill, but MDMA can act as a catalyst for healing. And when you already lost so, so many years due to trauma, that means a lot.

[geiselmj]

I was a meth user on and off for about 4 years and learning that it actually makes you anti-social was absolutely mind opening and helped me learn even more about myself. I have tried MDMA once and the second time it was fake stuff which could’ve definitely killed me so I can attest this is a truly amazing and fascinating subject specially as a user. I was reading the book “i feel love” by Rachel Nuwer and now I will soon be reading “Pikhal” by Alex and Ann Shulgin. This was simply a phenomenal podcast to have the privilege to listen to. I can’t wait for it to be FDA approved for PTSD and other disorders, it will certainly be revolutionary. Thank you so much❤

[susworld]

Thank you, Dr Huberman. I know that these talks not only take a lot of time for these videos but an immense amount of time preparing for. Much love and appreciation.

[sonals]

Never considered doing any kind of drugs, but information and education is never wasted. Listening in.