Transient memory impairment after acute dose of 75mg 3.4-Methylene-dioxymethamphetamine
Kim P. C. Kuypers, Jan Ramaekers
Journal of Psychopharmacology November 1, 2005 DOI: 10.1177/0269881105056670 via OpenAlex
Summary
A single dose of MDMA (75 mg) transiently impairs immediate and delayed verbal recall during the intoxication phase (1.5–2 hours after dosing), but no residual memory impairment is present during the withdrawal phase (25.5–26 hours after dosing). In a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial with 18 recreational MDMA users, methylphenidate (20 mg) showed no effect on memory or mood at any time point. During MDMA withdrawal, participants reported more fatigue and less vigor but no depressive symptoms. The findings indicate that MDMA directly causes short-term memory deficits, but these effects are not long-lasting.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 3-way crossover Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 18 |
| Population | Recreational MDMA users |
| Interventions | MDMA methylphenidate placebo |
| Dose | 75 mg MDMA, 20 mg methylphenidate |
| Duration | Intoxication phase (1.5–2 hours post-dosing) and withdrawal phase (25.5–26 hours post-dosing) |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Placebo Memory impairment Psychology |
| Citations | 88 |
| Key finding | A single dose of MDMA causes transient impairment of immediate and delayed recall during intoxication, with no residual memory impairment during withdrawal. |
Abstract
A range of studies has indicated that users of 3.4-Methylene-dioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'Ecstasy') display cognitive deficits, particularly memory impairment, as compared to non-drug using controls. Yet it is difficult to determine whether these deficits are caused by MDMA or some other confounding factor, such as polydrug use. The present study was designed to establish the direct relation between MDMA and memory impairment under placebo-controlled conditions. Eighteen recreational MDMA users participated in a double blind, placebo controlled, 3-way crossover design. They were treated with placebo, MDMA 75mg and methylphenidate 20mg. Memory tests were conducted between 1.5-2h (intoxication phase) and between 25.5-26h (withdrawal phase) post dosing. Results showed that a single dose of MDMA caused impairment of immediate and delayed recall on a verbal learning task during the intoxication phase. However, there was no residual memory impairment during the withdrawal phase. Subjects reported more fatigue and less vigour, but no symptoms of depression during the withdrawal phase of MDMA treatment. Methylphenidate did not affect memory or mood at any time of testing. A single dose of MDMA produces transient memory impairment.