Comment · Thu, December 27, 2012
MDMA 'eases post-traumatic stress':
What they were answering
dorkrock · 14 points
MDMA is a serotonin re-uptake inhibitor. Normally, serotonin molecules are produces on one side of a nerve synapse. The molecules then traverse the synapse and bind to the appropriate receptor. They are then released, travel back across, and are re-absorbed in a process called re-uptake.
MDMA inhibits, or slows the re-uptake process by binding to, and blocking the re-uptake receptors.
This causes a slow buildup of excess serotonin in the synapse that basically bounces around continually binding the feel-good receptors. When you do something that would normally cause an increase in serotonin transmission, that same increase occurs, but in addition to the already elevated level of serotonin caused by the slowing of the re-uptake process. This surge is known colloquially as "blowing up"... and is one of the most amazing feelings I've ever experienced.
As with other hormones produced by the brain, your brain is always seeking equilibrium. While your serotonin levels are artificially elevated, serotonin production is slowed. When the drug is metabolized and ceases the re-uptake inhibition, there is a period of time where your brain's natural production of serotonin is slowed in anticipation of the excess serotonin levels caused by the drug.
As it did with slowing production in response to high levels of serotonin, your brain attempts to balance serotonin by increasing…
u/MisterYouAreSoDumb
MDMA is NOT an SRI. It is a serotonin releaser. It reverses the action of your SERT, causing your neuronal synapse to flood with excess 5-HT. This is a big distinction for many reasons, which I will not get into at the moment.
Also, MDMA absolutely DOES affect your ability to produce serotonin!
The two ring-hydroxylated metabolites of MDMA and it's metabolite, MDA, 2,4,5-trihydroxyamphetamine (THA) and 2,4,5-trihydroxy-N-methylamphetamine (THM), both reduce tryptophan hydroxylase levels (TPH). This is the substance your body uses to turn tryptophan into 5-HTP, which is then converted into serotonin. THA in particular can lower TPH levels by 90% after 7 days! It will affect your ability to produce serotonin.