Supplementation

Minimum recommended supplementation routine

1 HOUR BEFORE ingesting

• Magnesium Glycinate – 200mg
• Vitamin C – 500-1000mg
• Na-R-ALA – 100mg
• Vitamin E – 300mg

WHILST RUSHING

• Na-R-ALA – 200mg (every 2 hours)
• Magnesium Glycinate – 200mg
• Vitamin C – 500-1000mg
• Vitamin E – 300mg

POST-RUSH

• Na-R-ALA – 100mg
• Vitamin C – 500 – 1000mg
• N-AcetylCysteine (NAC) – 600mg

3-7 DAYS FOLLOWING MDMA USE

• 5-HTP – 100mg
• Green Tea Extract – 400mg taken alongside 5-HTP
• N-AcetylCysteine (NAC) – 600-1000mg

More information:

The main cause of drug-induced neurotoxicity is Oxidative Stress. Oxidative stress is caused by the excess formation of toxic chemicals known as ‘free radicals’ in the brain. Antioxidants found in the body generally neutralize these free radicals and they cause no harm. However, when the levels of these free radicals in the brain increase significantly, the body no longer has enough antioxidants to remove them all. Our brains are then left unprotected from the free radicals, and they can go on and damage or destroy our neurons. MDMA use increases the amount of free radicals in the brain and can therefore cause damage if not managed correctly.

Below are a list of supplements that can be taken along with MDMA use.

N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC)

NAC is involved in the synthesis of the main antioxidant produced by the human body, Glutathione. Supplementing NAC will allow for a healthy amount of Gultathione to be produced, which can protect us against oxidative stress and damage to the brain.

NAC has also been anecdotally reported to have “brought the magic back” for many users.

Often after heavy and frequent MDMA use, users build up a tolerance and lose the ability to feel many of the positive effects. Consistent NAC supplementation has been reported to help repair the damage done to the brain and allow the user to feel the effects almost as if it was their first time using.

NAC may also be helpful for healing the neurotoxic damage associated with cocaine and amphetamine use, as well as improving several mental disorders. 

Dosage: 600mg before ingestion, 600mg after rush.

Na-R-Alpha Lipoic Acid (Na-R-ALA)

Na-R-ALA is another powerful free-radical scavenger that can help prevent or reduce oxidative stress and neurotoxicity. Na-R-ALA is also involved in the recycling of other antioxidants such as Gultathione. Studies have shown that it is successful at preventing MDMA-induced neurotoxicity in rats. An interesting characteristic of ALA is that it’s both fat-soluble and water-soluble, allowing it to get virtually anywhere in the body.

Dosage: 100mg before ingestion, 100mg every 2 hours after ingestion for duration of rush.

Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR)

ALCAR is another potent antioxidant that works best when using in conjunction with R-ALA. The two have been shown to synergize and prevent MDMA neurotoxicity in rats.

Dosage: 500mg before ingestion, 500mg during rush.

Vitamin C

One of the most common and easily available antioxidants that can be found in fresh fruit and juice (especially citrus fruits) as well as in supplement form. Vitamin C from fresh fruit and juice is preferrable as it’s better absorbed by the body. Edible tablets are still satisfactory, and many users may find them easier to consume.

Dosage: 1000mg before ingestion, 1000mg during rush.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is also fat soluble, which allows it to penetrate deeply into fatty tissues in the brain. Experiments have shown that when given a large dose of MDMA, mice fed a severely vitamin E deficient diet suffer serious neurotoxicity while mice on a normal diet are unharmed.

Dosage: 300mg before ingestion, 300mg during rush.

5-HTP

DO NOT CONSUME 5-HTP FOR 24 HOURS BEFORE OR AFTER MDMA INGESTION, THIS WILL INCREASE THE LIKELYHOOD OF SERATONIN SYNDROME.

When a person uses MDMA, serotonin is released in much larger quantities than what is normal, leaving almost no serotonin in reserve. The body is unable to efficiently replenish the stores as MDMA use can block the enzyme in the body that converts Tryptophan (an amino acid) into 5-HTP, a precursor to serotonin.

This means that in the days after use, users will have decreased levels of serotonin, which is likely to cause the so called “comedown”. Taking 5-HTP skips the need for the Tryptophan conversion and will help replenish your serotonin levels much more quickly.

Dosage: 100mg every evening for 3-7 days following MDMA use.

Magnesium

Magnesium has been reported to reduce jaw clenching (“gurning”) and “eye wiggles”. Find a form of magnesium tablets that are easily absorbed by the body, such as magnesium glycinate.

Dosage: 200mg elemental magnesium (~2000mg magnesium glycinate) 6 hours before, 1 hour before, and during rush.

Grapefruit Juice

Cytochrome P450 3A4 (abbreviated CYP3A4) is an important enzyme in the body, mainly found in the liver and in the intestine. It oxidizes small foreign organic molecules (xenobiotics), such as toxins or drugs, so that they can be removed from the body. CYP3A4 metabolizing MDMA to MDA using N-demethylation. MDA is much more neurotoxic than MDMA, and there is no doubt that any MDA in your system is bad for you. The furanocoumarins present in grapefruit juice are potent CYP3A4 inhibitors. Studies have shown a 90% reduction in CYP3A4 metabolism after grapefruit juice ingestion. This indicates that drinking grapefruit juice will drastically inhibit MDMA being metabolised into MDA.

Dosage: Drink periodically for 12 hours before ingestion, as well as more after the effects of the rush have worn off.

Green Tea Extract (EGCG) – Is a potent antioxidant and diuretic. Supplementation will help to reduce any MDMA-induced urinary retention.

Dosage: 400mg before ingestion, 400mg during rush.

Melatonin – Melatonin is a very powerful antioxidant that is created from serotonin. Your body uses it to control sleep/wake cycles. Taking a melatonin supplement before bed will both help you sleep, and help scavenge for any free radicals that other antioxidants have missed.

Dosage: 1mg before bed.