MDMA and memory

This completed interventional trial (n=16) investigated the impact of MDMA (75mg) on memory.

Led by Dr Jan Ramaekers at Maastricht University, the study aimed to understand the neural mechanisms behind memory impairment caused by MDMA, compared to a placebo. Twelve recreational MDMA users received either MDMA (75mg) or a placebo and performed memory tasks during functional imaging.

The study provided direct evidence of MDMA’s association with memory impairment and identified neural structures involved. Assessments were conducted between 1.5 and 2.5 hours post-drug. The trial, which began in August 2005, received ethical approval on 25-08-2008.

Compound Placebo MDMA
Country Netherlands
Visit trial
Status Completed
Results Published Yes
Start date 01 August 2005
End date 30 December 2006
Design Blinded
Type Interventional
Generation First
Participants 16
Sex All
Age 18- 99
Therapy No

Trial Details

This completed trial, led by Dr J.G.Ramaekers at Maastricht University, examined the impact of MDMA on memory. Conducted with 16 participants, it provided direct evidence of MDMA's association with memory impairment and identified involved neural structures. The study, approved on 25-08-2008, aimed to understand the neural mechanisms behind memory impairment caused by MDMA compared to a placebo.

NCT Number NL1355

Sponsors & Collaborators

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

Papers

Transient memory impairment after acute dose of 75mg 3.4-Methylene-dioxymethamphetamine
This double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover-design study (n=18) investigated whether MDMA causes memory impairment during MDMA use or whether polydrug use is a confounding factor. It was found that a single dose of MDMA did indeed produce transient memory impairment.

Acute dose of MDMA (75 mg) impairs spatial memory for location but leaves contextual processing of visuospatial information unaffected
This re-analysis of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover-design study (n=18) compared the effects of MDMA (75mg) and Ritalin (20mg) concerning spatial memory performance. Results indicated that a single dose of MDMA caused subjects to perform worse on a simple spatial memory task only during acute intoxication. It did not affect their ability to detect rapid contextual changes in visuospatial information relevant to traffic safety.

Data attribution

A large set of the trials in our database are sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov (CTG). We have modified these post to display the information in a more clear format or to correct spelling mistakes. Our database in actively updated and may show a different status (e.g. completed) if we have knowledge of this update (e.g. a published paper on the study) which isn't reflected yet on CTG. If a trial is not sourced from CTG, this is indicated on this page and you can follow the link to the alternative source of information.