What is Serotonin Syndrome?
Serotonin syndrome is a rare but serious side effect that can occur when using certain medications that affect the body's serotonin balance. The use of very high doses of MDMA or MDMA in combination with certain other substances can also cause serotonin syndrome. Symptoms can include: confusion, fever, rapid heartbeat and muscle stiffness. It is estimated that several dozen people in the Netherlands die each year from the consequences of serotonin syndrome.
Pure MDMA and Serotonin Syndrome
If no other drugs but MDMA in its pure form are used and there are no medicines or drug residues present in the body, the chance of serotonin syndrome is very small. There are a number of supplements that you should be careful with. 5HTP, tryptophan, St. John's wort and others that are serotonin boosters can increase the chance of serotonin syndrome. If you do not take these types of supplements for at least two days, do not take any drugs or psychoactive/painkillers for 2 weeks before MDMA use and do not make the dosage of MDMA too high, the chance of serotonin syndrome will be zero.
What should you pay attention to?
The greatest risk of serotonin syndrome comes from using MDMA with MAOIs.
An MAOI (MonoAmino Oxidase Inhibitor) causes the enzyme MonoAmino Oxidase to work less. This enzyme breaks down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline. Combining XTC/MDMA with an MAOI is very dangerous and is strongly discouraged.
Examples of combinations that increase the risk are:
- MDMA + antidepressants, such as SSRI, SNRI or MAOI
- MDMA + supplements that affect serotonin, such as tryptophan, 5-HTP, St. John's wort, Banisteriopsis caapi and MAO inhibitors.
- MDMA+ opiates such as tramadol, morphine and buprenorphine
Overheating and MDMA
An increased body temperature is one of the effects that can occur when using MDMA. In most cases, the increase is within healthy limits. Be careful with higher doses of MDMA, combined use with substances that can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome and direct warming circumstances. A body temperature that is too high should be avoided. Keeping the head and body cool can help with the increased temperatures, but if you think someone has serotonin syndrome and is therefore often overheated, call 1-1-2 as soon as possible!
Screening for MDMA
People who want to do an MDMA session with us, we always have them do the online registration first. We do this to prevent dangerous situations, such as serotonin syndrome. You can read more about MDMA therapy or go to the registration via the buttons below.
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