Can memantine prevent memory impairment induced by MDMA in humans

This double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial (n=21) investigated whether memantine can mitigate memory impairment induced by MDMA in humans.

The study, conducted by the Universiteit Maastricht and supported by NWO, aimed to determine if memantine, when administered alongside MDMA, could have beneficial effects on memory. Additionally, the trial sought to understand the impact of MDMA on speech.

The research design involved a 4-way crossover, with subjects receiving combinations of memantine or placebo followed by MDMA or placebo, with a minimum two-week washout period between test days. The study required a total time investment of approximately 27 hours per subject, including medical screening and test days lasting around 6 hours each. Participants were required to abstain from caffeine, alcohol, and drugs during the study period. Eligible participants were recreational MDMA users aged between 18 and 40 years, with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria outlined.

The primary outcome measure was performance on memory tasks, with secondary outcomes including event-related potentials and speech recordings. The trial, approved by METC academisch ziekenhuis Maastricht/Universiteit Maastricht, was completed with 21 participants enrolled, starting in May 2011 and ending in January 2024.

Topic Healthy Subjects
Compound MDMA Placebo
Country Netherlands
Visit trial
Status Completed
Results Published No
Start date 01 May 2011
End date 31 January 2024
Phase Not Applicable
Design Blinded
Type Interventional
Generation First
Participants 21
Sex All
Age 18-
Therapy No

Trial Details

Completed double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n=21) by Universiteit Maastricht and supported by NWO, investigating if memantine can counteract MDMA-induced memory impairment in humans. Participants received combinations of memantine or placebo followed by MDMA or placebo in a 4-way crossover design. Key outcomes included memory task performance. Study conducted from May 2011 to January 2024, approved by METC academisch ziekenhuis Maastricht/Universiteit Maastricht.

NCT Number NL35155.068.11

Sponsors & Collaborators

Maastricht University
Maastricht University is host to the psychopharmacology department (Psychopharmacology in Maastricht) where various researchers are investigating the effects of psychedelics.

Data attribution

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