Duloxetine Inhibits Effects of MDMA (“Ecstasy") In Vitro and in Humans in a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Laboratory Study
PLoS ONE May 4, 2012 Cédric M. Hysek, Linda D. Simmler, V.g. Nicola et al. 158 citations
Taking the antidepressant duloxetine before MDMA (ecstasy) blocks many of the drug's effects. In a controlled experiment with 16 healthy volunteers, duloxetine prevented MDMA from raising blood pressure, heart rate, and norepinephrine levels, and also reduced the subjective drug experience. This happened even though duloxetine increased MDMA concentrations in the blood. Laboratory tests on human cells confirmed that duloxetine stops MDMA from releasing the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. These findings indicate that MDMA's psychological effects depend on its ability to release both serotonin and norepinephrine, and suggest duloxetine could help treat dependence on stimulant drugs.