RecruitingPhase 1NCT07494214

Acute Analgesic Effects of MDMA on Experimentally Induced Acute Pain, Hyperalgesia and Allodynia in Healthy Participants

Acute Analgesic Effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) on Experimentally Induced Acute Nociceptive Pain, Hyperalgesia and Allodynia in Healthy Participants (MDPS-study)

Sponsor

University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland

Enrollment

20 participants

Start Date

Mar 9, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Healhty

Summary

This study investigates whether MDMA may have a pain-reducing effect. The effect of MDMA is compared with a placebo (a substance with no active effect). In the study, moderate pain will be artificially created in healthy participants using repeated small electrical pulses applied under the skin. At the same time, participants will take MDMA or a placebo by mouth. This allows researchers to compare how MDMA affects the artificially created pain. A total of 20 healthy volunteers will take part in this study.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 75 Years

Inclusion Criteria8

Age between 18 and 75 years old
Sufficient understanding of the German language
Understanding of procedures and risks associated with the study
Willing to adhere to the protocol and signing of the consent form
Willing to refrain from the consumption of illicit psychoactive substances during the study
Willing not to operate heavy machinery for 48 hours after the study session.
Willing to use effective birth control throughout study participation
Body mass index between 18-34.9 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria11

Relevant chronic or acute medical condition
Any implanted medical devices (e.g., pacemakers, neurostimulators, or metal prostheses)
Current or previous major psychiatric disorder (e.g. bipolar disorder, schizophrenia), current depression or anxiety disorder.
Psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder in first-degree relatives
Hypertension (SBP\>140/90 mmHg) or hypotension (SBP\<85 mmHg)
Lifetime use of MDMA on more than 20 occasions or any use within the previous two months
Pregnancy or current breastfeeding
Participation in another clinical trial (currently or within the last 30 days)
Use of medication that may interfere with the effects of the study medication
Tobacco smoking (\>10 cigarettes/day)
Consumption of alcoholic beverages (\>15 drinks/week)

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