Animal Pharmacology and Human Psychopharmacology of 3-Methoxy-4,5-Methylenedioxyphenylisopropylamine (MMDA)

The compound 3-methoxy-4,5-methylenedioxyphenyl isopropylamine (MMDA) was synthesized and tested for psychodysleptic effects. In animals, its pharmacology was generally unremarkable except for a hypotensive effect in dogs, and the therapeutic index (LD50 rat/MED50 human) was 85. In humans, MMDA enhanced feeling and eyes-closed visual imagery without causing hallucinations or disturbing the sensorium. Reality testing and environmental contact remained intact, though a tendency to withdraw into drowsiness or fantasy occurred. The state of increased emotional availability was easily manipulated in psychotherapy and appeared to enhance insight into subconscious content.

Study at a glance

Abstract

A rationale is presented for the investigation of the synthesis and pharmacology of 3-methoxy-4,5-methylenedioxyphenyl isopropylamine (MMDA) as a potential psychodysleptic compound; these experiments are reported. The chemical synthesis and physical properties of this compound are described. The pharmacologic effects of MMDA in several animal species are presented, as are its clinical effects in man. The animal pharmacology was generally unremarkable, except for a hypotensive effect in the dog, and the therapeutic index (LD50 rat/MED50 human) was 85. The subjective effects of MMDA in man include an enhancement of feeling and of eyes-closed visual imagery, but no hallucinogenesis or other disturbance of the sensorium. Reality testing and environmental contact are not affected except for a tendency to withdraw into a state of drowsiness, or into a world of fantasy and visual imagery. The induced state of increased availability of emotion was easily manipulated in the psychotherapeutic setting used, and appeared to lead to an enhanced insight into subconscious content.