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.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
13
MDMA 1.5 mg/kg and citalopram 20 mg
drug: placebo subjects also get citalopram and placebo in a 2x2 crossover design
CPMC Research Institute, St.Luke's Hospital
San Francisco, California, United States
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
Time frame: 24 hours
To determine if administration of the SSRI citalopram decreases the acute (post 1 to 4hr) social and emotional and cognitive effects of MDMA
Time frame: post 1-4 hours
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