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MDMA

Follow one dose of MDMA from the moment it enters the body until the last of it leaves.

MDMAactiveHHMAO-demethylenation (CYP2D6 in part)HMMAvia COMTMDAactiveUrine~20% unchanged

The clock, on a log scale

Each bar runs from the dose to about five half-lives, roughly when 97% of that molecule has been converted or cleared. The scale is logarithmic so minutes and days fit on one line.

  1. 30–45 minonset

    Dose taken by mouth

    effects 3–6 h

    Taken by mouth, effects begin in 30 to 45 minutes and last three to six hours.1 Blood levels peak 1.5 to 3 hours after the dose.1

  2. hoursliver

    MDMA → HHMA → HMMA, and MDMA → MDA

    CYP2D6CYP3A4COMTMDA is active

    The main route removes the methylenedioxy ring (O-demethylenation) to make HHMA, which COMT turns into HMMA or which is conjugated.1 Metabolism may run mainly through CYP2D6, CYP3A4 and COMT.1 MDA is also formed. It is an entactogen and stimulant with stronger psychedelic effects than MDMA.1 In a clinical study, CYP2D6 handled no more than about 30% of MDMA's metabolism.3

    MDMA blocks its own exit: MDMA inhibits CYP2D6, so at higher doses it is cleared at a fixed rate and half-lives grow with the dose.1 Taking more does not just add more. It also slows the breakdown.
  3. ~9 hMDMA half-life

    Half the MDMA is gone

    half-life 8.7 h (4.6–16)(S) 4.8 h, (R) 14.8 h

    MDMA's half-life is about 8.7 hours, with a range of 4.6–16.1 Its two mirror-image forms differ. The (S) form has a half-life of 4.8 hours and the (R) form 14.8 hours, which may explain effects on mood felt the next days.2

    Interactions: deaths have occurred with ritonavir, and bupropion raises MDMA exposure.1 In a study, paroxetine raised MDMA levels by 17–27%.3 SSRIs such as citalopram block most of MDMA's effects, and MDMA with MAOIs has caused deaths.1 TripSit rates MDMA with MAOIs or tramadol as Dangerous and with alcohol as Caution.4
  4. 2–3 daysexit

    Out through the kidneys

    ~20% unchangedrest as conjugates

    About 20% leaves in urine unchanged. MDMA and its metabolites are mostly excreted as sulfate and glucuronide conjugates.1

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, MDMA (pharmacokinetics, interactions and infobox), CC BY-SA
  2. Pizarro N et al. Stereochemical analysis of MDMA and its main metabolites in human samples. Drug Metab Dispos 2004;32(9):1001–7. PubMed 15319342
  3. Segura M et al. Contribution of cytochrome P450 2D6 to MDMA disposition in humans: use of paroxetine as a metabolic inhibitor probe. Clin Pharmacokinet 2005;44(6):649–60
  4. TripSit combination chart (combos.json, read 2026-10-24)

Half-lives vary between people, doses and routes. This page explains what the body does with a drug. It is not dosing advice.