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How long MDMA or molly lasts depends on the dose, purity of the substance, and an individual’s biochemistry. MDMA shows promise as a therapeutic tool, particularly as a treatment for PTSD, along with couples therapy and to build strong bonds between therapist and patient. However, the vast majority of MDMA use occurs in recreational settings for its sought-after feelings of connection with others.

Below we explore how long MDMA lasts, how it works, the MDMA hangover, and MDMA’s long-term effects.

On average, if taken orally, MDMA lasts about 2-4 hours. MDMA’s effects are usually felt in about 30 – 45 minutes, peak around the 1-2 hour mark, and gradually taper off. The energizing effects may last for some time after the four-hour mark.

Some common effects of MDMA are:

Euphoria, sometimes quite intense

Increased sociability, sense of connection to other

Heightened awareness of sounds, lights, colors, and touch

Sexual arousal

High energy levels

Reduced fear and anxiety (in rare cases, these increase)

Increased heart rate

Clenched jaw or grinding teeth

Dry mouth

Change in body temperature

Sometimes MDMA can take more than an hour to take effect. Eating a big meal beforehand means MDMA will take longer to kick in. It is important to be careful during this stage—it’s possible to take another dose, only to have both kick in all at once, which can be overwhelming or risky.

A sign the MDMA is working usually involves a desire to be closer to and connect with other people, along with some energizing effects, euphoria and perhaps sexual arousal. Once the MDMA reaches the peak, get ready for heartfelt conversations, hugs and intimacy. Some describe the effects of MDMA as “mashy,” which alludes to a sensual, soft, fuzzy, and “touchy feely” vibe. MDMA heightens the experience of different textures, surfaces, and physical touch between people.

One can also expect a stimulating effect keeping many people alert and awake beyond the 4 hour window of more potent effects. The “crash” or “comedown” can be a shock, as extremely pleasant feelings may rapidly leave, while the buzz keeps people awake. It’s during this period that the urge to redose is high.

MDMA is unique in making deep relational interactions effortless. For those who have difficulty connecting with or expressing feelings, MDMA can make sharing fluid and even pleasurable. Conversations about withheld emotions, difficult memories, or even past traumas are proving useful in a therapeutic setting too, notably with people dealing with PTSD or in dynamics between couples.

READ NEXT: Psychedelics in Therapy – The Next Generation of Treatment

The length of time MDMA lasts depends on the method of consumption. MDMA is most commonly found as a crystalline powder or in capsules. A typical dose is between 100-200mg, but this varies between individuals and many people extend the effects by redosing. One common way of taking MDMA is to take a “point” – .1 grams. Point-one. Hence the name “point.” Point one is the same as 100mg.

There are several ways MDMA consumption occurs:

Oral – In pill form or as a powder. Oral MDMA is felt in about 30 min and lasts 2-4 hours.

Insufflation – After grinding into a fine powder, snorting MDMA into one’s nostrils creates rapid-acting effects. This method is more intense and lasts a shorter time, about 1.5 to 3 hours. Snorting MDMA causes considerable discomfort to the nostrils and sinuses.

Suppository – A few people prefer to insert MDMA rectally, also known as “boofing” or “plugging”. Effects may come on as quickly as 10 minutes if dissolved in water or about 30 min if taken as a capsule, lasting a similar amount of time to oral MDMA.

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Understanding how MDMA works helps us understand how long its effect last. MDMA’s effects come from its effects on serotonin, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and dopamine. The flood of these neurotransmitters and hormones causes euphoria, feelings of social connection, and stimulating effects that make MDMA so popular.

MDMA works differently than psychoactive compounds like psilocybin mushrooms or ketamine. As a phenethylamine, MDMA also acts a stimulant, releasing adrenaline and dopamine, which stimulate energy and feelings of pleasure.

Another effect of MDMA is the stimulation of oxytocin, a compound associated with love, social connection, empathy, and bonding. Because of how MDMA works on oxytocin, it has a reputation as an “empathogen,” meaning it creates an empathic state.

Part of MDMA’s mechanism works on serotonin, but instead of modulating how the body uses serotonin like other psychedelics, MDMA actually releases large amounts of serotonin, with a dramatic effect on mood. Following the large release of serotonin, the body may become depleted, resulting in a “comedown” or “MDMA withdrawal.”

“Blue Monday” or “Tuesday blues“—low mood associated with MDMA use is a common report in recreational circles. In a clinical setting, an “MDMA hangover” is far less common, if it appears at all. This side effect may have more to do with other factors like lack of sleep, polysubstance use, and perhaps purity issues with MDMA sourced on the street. Some common symptoms of MDMA hangover are:

Fatigue

Low mood or depression

Irritability

Anxiety

Wanting to isolate oneself

Low sex drive

Headaches and dizziness

Nausea or low appetite

The MDMA hangover typically lasts a day or two, but in some cases, persists for close to a week. By following some precautions, anyone can lessen unwanted aftereffects of MDMA. Some key points to consider are:

Limit Redosing – Taking a single dose greatly lessens the chance of a tough comedown and hangover.

Avoid Polysubstance Use – Mixing MDMA with alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs increases the chance of low mood post-MDMA.

Get Good Rest – Making sure to get a good night’s sleep after MDMA is one of the best possible activities to ensure a swift recovery

Hydration and Nutrition – Drinking lots of water and eating healthy, nutrient-rich foods gives your body what it needs to bounce back. This step is important, even if someone doesn’t have much of an appetite.

Test MDMA – Testing any substance sourced from the underground is essential. If MDMA is cut with something else (which it often is), it might not be safe and could make the comedown rougher.

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For years, the assumption was that MDMA is a dangerous and neurotoxic compound. Modern research now shows MDMA to be safe for therapeutic use, although certain precautions do apply, and like any compound, responsible use is the key to MDMA’s safety.

In combination with therapy, MDMA’s long-term effects can be positive. Studies for MDMA therapy’s benefits on PTSD, anxiety, and addiction have challenged old views from a prohibition era of psychoactive drugs. These effects have been shown, in some cases, to be long-lasting, for months or at least a year following several doses combined with therapy.

While MDMA’s therapeutic results are impressive, studies have also noted that repeated, chronic use in a recreational context poses a risk of developing a dependency and serious cases of abuse do occur.

Repeated use of MDMA does come with some concerns. One study of chronic MDMA users showed a potential for heart valve problems. Other studies suggest that using MDMA too frequently and different habits associated with its use leads to neurotoxicity. A variety of different recommendations on how frequently safe use of MDMA could be, but to date, more research into MDMA’s safety outside of clinical use is necessary.

READY TO WORK IN PSYCHEDELICS?: Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Certifications and Training