Distinct acute effects of LSD, MDMA, and d-amphetamine in healthy subjects
Neuropsychopharmacology November 16, 2019 Friederike Holze, Patrick Vizeli, Felix Müller et al. 250 citations
LSD, MDMA, and d-amphetamine all increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and pupil size, but LSD produced the strongest alterations in consciousness, mystical experiences, ego dissolution, and emotional excitation. MDMA increased feelings of good drug effects, liking, and high more than d-amphetamine, and only MDMA raised oxytocin levels. d-Amphetamine boosted activity and concentration relative to LSD. None of the substances changed brain-derived neurotrophic factor. The findings highlight distinct subjective and endocrine profiles that may inform dosing in psychedelic-assisted therapy.