MAY 04, 2017 10:29 AM PDT

What an Ecstasy-Induced Trip Feels Like

WRITTEN BY: Xuan Pham

Known on the street as "ecstasy," "E," "Molly," and "millennial aspirin," MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a popular recreational psychedelic drug. The compound acts on the amygdala to induce feelings of euphoria, empathy, and otherwise heightened emotions.

But recently, the drug is gaining traction as an unconventional but effective treatment for PTSD. The FDA also saw the potential in this drug, and has approved it in a large-scale clinical trial for PTSD. The move could pave the way for legally prescribed "ecstasy" as a psychotherapy agent in the future.

But what does ecstasy do in the brain? Watch the video to find out!
About the Author
Doctorate (PhD)
I am a human geneticist, passionate about telling stories to make science more engaging and approachable. Find more of my writing at the Hopkins BioMedical Odyssey blog and at TheGeneTwist.com.
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