Actively Recruiting
Psilocybin and Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Led by Johns Hopkins University · Updated on 2025-10-01
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
202 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
J
Johns Hopkins University
Lead Sponsor
G
Gracias Family Foundation
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The purpose of this study is to assess the safety and effectiveness of co-administered MDMA and psilocybin in military Veterans with a diagnosis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). To apply or learn more, please view our website: https://hopkinspsychedelic.org/pamvet
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Psilocybin and Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Be 21 years old or older
- Be a military Veteran
- Provide written informed consent
- Able to swallow pills
- Have a confirmed DSM-5 diagnosis of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder with symptoms lasting 6 months or longer
- Have a baseline CAPS-5 score of 28 or higher
- Be judged by study clinicians to be at low acute risk for suicidality
- Concurrent psychotherapy allowed if stable in type and frequency for at least two months prior to screening and expected to remain stable during the study
- Be medically stable based on interview, questionnaire, physical exam, ECG, and routine blood and urine tests
- Agree to consume about the same amount of caffeine on drug session mornings as usual (or avoid caffeine if not usually consumed)
- Agree to refrain from psychoactive drugs and alcohol within 24 hours of drug administration, except caffeine and nicotine
- Agree to avoid caffeine and nicotine within 2 hours before dosing sessions
- Agree not to take as-needed medications on drug session mornings without treatment team approval
- Agree not to take sildenafil, tadalafil, or similar medications within 72 hours of drug administration
- Agree to stop taking 5HT2A antagonist medications at least 5 half-lives before dosing
- Agree to refrain from nonprescription medications, supplements, or herbal products for one week before each drug session unless approved by investigators
- Have no lifetime use of serotonin 2A receptor agonist hallucinogens or MDMA above a microdose level
- Have at least a high school education or equivalent
- Weigh between 40 kg and 120 kg
- Provide a contact person who can be reached if participant becomes unreachable or suicidal
- Agree to be released into custody of a support person or accompanied home after drug sessions
- May have stable Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with cardiovascular disease ruled out and approval by Medical Monitor
- May have hypothyroidism if on stable thyroid replacement
- May have history or current glaucoma with ophthalmologist approval
You will not qualify if you...
- Current or past diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum, other psychotic disorders, or Bipolar I or II Disorder
- Moderate or severe alcohol or drug use disorder within past year (excluding tobacco, caffeine, cannabis)
- Current or past diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder
- Significant suicidal ideation within past 6 months (C-SSRS > 3)
- First-degree relative with schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, or Bipolar I
- Nicotine dependence incompatible with nicotine abstinence on dosing days
- Medical conditions unsafe for MDMA or psilocybin (e.g., cardiovascular issues, drug-induced hyperthermia, hyponatremia)
- Daily use of medications affecting serotonin or liver enzyme metabolism
- Use of specific medications like efavirenz, disulfiram, and others listed
- Unstable or changing dose of opioids, benzodiazepines, psychoactive or pain medications within 4 weeks prior to enrollment
- Illicit drug use or positive alcohol test at screening or before drug sessions
- Lifetime use of psychedelic drugs above microdose level
- Significant liver enzyme elevations
- Women who are pregnant or nursing
- Women of childbearing potential must use highly effective birth control during study
- Cardiovascular diseases including coronary artery disease, stroke, angina, uncontrolled hypertension, significant ECG abnormalities, prolonged QTc, heart valve issues, or recent TIA
- History of seizures or epilepsy
- Type 1 diabetes
- BMI below 18
- Likely re-exposure to trauma, lack of social support or stable living situation
- Electroconvulsive Therapy within 12 weeks prior to enrollment
- Medical conditions increasing risk with sympathomimetic drugs
- Symptomatic liver disease or significant liver enzyme elevations
- Other mild stable chronic conditions allowed if approved by investigators
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research
Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21224
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Chloe Ford, MSc
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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