Hope Persists, Despite MDMA Setback

2024-12-19T15:49:56-05:00

The recent Food and Drug Administration decision to reject MDMA-assisted therapy is unquestionably a loss for veterans. It’s been more than 20 years since the FDA cleared a new medication for post-traumatic stress disorder, leaving veterans with less-than-stellar treatment options that many say merely mask the condition.

We can’t accept a status quo that’s failing far too many. The two FDA-approved medications are not universally effective. While these products can reduce the severity of symptoms, they do not address the foundation of trauma the way effective therapy can.

What’s perplexing is that in 2017, the FDA designated MDMA as a “breakthrough therapy.” The demonstrated clinical evidence quickly became a beacon of hope for those living with PTSD. In one study involving veterans and first responders, nearly two-thirds of its participants no longer met the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis after receiving the treatment.

However, that encouragement dimmed this year when an FDA advisory committee declined to recommend MDMA-assisted therapy as a viable treatment. While the panelists questioned the science and motivations of the individuals who conducted the research, the experience of those who live with PTSD each day seemed to be a distant afterthought.

Sadly, the FDA adopted the recommendation of the advisory committee, shutting the door on what was once an encouraging medical intervention.

When many people hear MDMA, their mind conjures up disturbing images of addiction, recreational use and abuse. However, we must consider the other part of the equation: therapy. It is the therapy that does the heavy lifting, but discussing the worst days of our lives proves to be an immense challenge. If only there were something that made the hard work of therapy easier. That’s the promise of MDMA.

Still, hope remains. While the FDA rejected this treatment, it asked for further study of the safety and efficacy of MDMA-assisted therapy—something DAV strongly supports.

The recent explosion in science regarding psychedelics and their potential healing powers is why our members approved DAV’s first-ever psychedelics resolution at our recent national convention in Phoenix. This thoughtful step DAV members took unlocks our ability to push the Department of Veterans Affairs to investigate these compounds and advocate before Congress to make psychedelic treatments available.

When veterans return from service, they deserve world-class health care and the most effective treatment options. Our nation owes a debt to the men and women who served, one that can never be paid in full. But that shouldn’t stop us from turning over every stone in the pursuit of finding new answers to PTSD.

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Dec 19 at 2024 4:43 PM

2024-12-19T16:43:46-05:00

Good afternoon LCpl Barry Jesinoski. Excellent post. Thanks for sharing this. :->

Response by SSgt Richard Kensinger made Dec 20 at 2024 9:51 AM

2024-12-20T09:51:18-05:00

Based on my own clinical research on this issue, its adverse impacts outweigh its benefits. Individual and group therapies are more efficacious. We are far more complex than our biology!
Rich

Response by AN Ron Wright made Dec 20 at 2024 2:54 PM

2024-12-20T14:54:17-05:00

Just a thought. Did they deny cause big pharma can’t make $$$ when they are not drugging you ?
Cause they FDa is owned by big pharma

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Dec 21 at 2024 4:19 PM

2024-12-21T16:19:18-05:00

Two points: 1. Psychedelics still have a very negative connotation in mainstream society. 2. Big Pharma will actively oppose ANY effort that takes money out of their bloated overpaid pockets. We all know Big Pharma outright owns the FDA so.....

From a few medical journals I have read, MDMA therapies do seem to have positive potential as possible treatments for certain conditions. I don't know enough about the process to say whether the benefits outweigh the complications. I'll leave that up to folks way smarter on the topic than I am.

Response by Lt Col Patrick Howard made Dec 24 at 2024 2:51 AM

2024-12-24T02:51:48-05:00

Thank you. I think ultimately the US will realize that marijuana is an effective medication for PTSD. Since it is legal in Oregon I take a daily dose of 10 mg CBD with 10 mg of THC. I have removed
venlafaxine and propranolol from my daily medicines and replaced those two with marijuana. It helps my PTSD and other problems including what is actually intermittent explosive disorder but the VA calls with anger management

Response by SGT(P) Michael Walker made Dec 31 at 2024 1:55 PM

2024-12-31T13:55:11-05:00

Medical Marijuana would be a good start as well

Response by 1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel made Jan 2 at 2025 2:41 PM

2025-01-02T14:41:24-05:00

I have received a series of left stellate basal ganglia injections for my PTSD and they help me. I know that there is investigational use of IV Ketamine but am not aware if that is still in in the armament for PTSD currently.

Response by Capt Clyde Wallace made Jan 9 at 2025 12:13 AM

2025-01-09T00:13:24-05:00

It was used in the 70s and 80s for psychotherapy. They outlawed it because people were also using it recreationally. Just like they screwed all of us using opioids for pain and began treating us like drug addicts, the hell with our pain. Nobody cares about veterans suffering. I'm sick and tired of all their bullshit.

Response by SPC Dick Webster made Feb 15 at 2025 12:40 PM

2025-02-15T12:40:13-05:00

Take heart, there is a new sheriff in town. Prayfull he will turn the non sensical things around.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2025 9:46 AM

2025-03-22T09:46:32-04:00

I admit I haven't spent the time to examine the science behind MDMA. If you hear of fresh studies, please post.

Response by Cristina Johnson made May 5 at 2025 6:21 AM

2025-05-05T06:21:55-04:00

I personally think the FDA's decision to reject MDMA assisted therapy for PTSD is a big mistake.
The early trials showed real promise. Like you said, one study even showed that two-thirds of veterans and first responders who tried it no longer had PTSD symptoms. I'd say that was a game changer for those who've been through so much.
But despite those results, an FDA advisory panel recently decided not to approve it, questioning the research,and what a surprise,FDA agreed with them!!!
The reason for the denial.??!!
Well now... FDA advisory panel had concerns about the quality of the studies and the credibility of the people behind the research. They questioned how the data was looked at and whether there were any biases in the process. They also wondered if the people doing the research had any conflicts of interest or reasons to influence the results.
For me, this feels like a missed chance to help so many who are struggling.