MDMA, Cortisol and Memory

This within-subject crossover trial enrols 60 experienced or novice ecstasy users (30 novice, 30 heavy) to examine the role of cortisol in MDMA-induced memory impairment under four treatment conditions.

Participants receive metyrapone or placebo as pre‑treatment followed one hour later by MDMA 75 mg or placebo; cognitive testing occurs ~90 minutes after MDMA, with saliva sampling for cortisol. Primary outcomes are cognitive and neuroendocrine measurements.