(Originally written for another forum, that then wouldn’t allow me to post it..)
Hey guys,
So I’ve posted informative threads before under various names over the years, back again with another. I feel this one is important because many (if not all) antioxidants supplements while indeed protecting ones brain from toxicity also reduces the overall positive effects.
This has been reported widely anecdotally, and I’ve experienced this myself as well as those close to me. I’ve been rolling about 16yrs give or take, about 10 back I started trying to incorporate antioxidants into my dosing regimen.
I very quickly found the antioxidants I was attempting to use were altering the roll in a way I didn’t like. Shorter roll, less intensity, less euphoria, etc. I tried other ways but nearly gave up until I found the research that said consuming antioxidants after the subjective effects are over still negates toxicity.
I hunted a bit for that particular article but couldn’t find it. I did however find the relevant information needed to plea my case.
MDMA neurotoxicity happens a few different ways but the route most agreed upon to cause the most damage would be the neurotoxic metabolite theory which then creates an overload of free radicals of the oxidative variety.
The metabolites thought to do this are conjugated forms of HMMA and HMA.
These metabolites don’t form immediately in any significant quantities, it takes time for them to be created.
In this article we see peak MDMA urinary concentrations at 4hr, MDA at 8hr, HMMA at 12hr and HMA at 16hr.
academic.oup.com
In this article they detect HMMA up to 33hrs longer than MDMA.
academic.oup.com
An article which shows the neurotoxicity of these metabolites outweighs that of the parent compounds (MDMA), as well as shows the damage done is time dependent.
www.sciencedirect.com
Now back to my story, I began taking my antioxidants as soon as I came down that same night, usually right before bed. As well as more the next day to keep my antioxidant system “topped off.”
Since making this change I feel I’ve been able to utilize the beneficial nature of these supplements without negating my roll. My comedowns are non-existant even if I roll 2 days in a row (make sure to still average 4-6 rolls a year). I’ve had zero dosage increase in all these years (increasing dose being the number one way to determine if one is experiencing toxicity from this drug.) I truly feel like this method works.
I’ve also used this same method on many people close to me, my wife (who’s been rolling 12yrs now), my family, close friends, and yet to see anyone lose the magic or experience any negativity often associated with this drug.
I’ll finish with this, no need to buy tons of expensive supplements either, I have been using Airborne Chewable tablets which contain a variety of antioxidants and minerals all in one. Who wants to sit there swallowing 15 capsules of various supplements, especially if your at a show or festival? Find something that contains a variety and is easy to consume, if all else fails a multiple vitamin can work in a pinch too.
The main take away is this. We rely on our antioxidants system to negate neurotoxicity (no matter the cause.) During the roll your antioxidant system is being depleted but the nasty neurotoxic metabolites haven’t arrived yet. Upon coming down you taking an antioxidant supplement refills that deplete system just in time for those nasties to arrive. If anything if we were to compare a single dose of antioxidants before a roll VS a single dose after, the after roll dosers would probably be more protected. (Many of the water soluble antioxidants don’t last long in the system.)
So ya, don’t kill your roll with all that Vit C and Lipoic acid your eating every hour and just load up at the end.
-GC
Hey guys,
So I’ve posted informative threads before under various names over the years, back again with another. I feel this one is important because many (if not all) antioxidants supplements while indeed protecting ones brain from toxicity also reduces the overall positive effects.
This has been reported widely anecdotally, and I’ve experienced this myself as well as those close to me. I’ve been rolling about 16yrs give or take, about 10 back I started trying to incorporate antioxidants into my dosing regimen.
I very quickly found the antioxidants I was attempting to use were altering the roll in a way I didn’t like. Shorter roll, less intensity, less euphoria, etc. I tried other ways but nearly gave up until I found the research that said consuming antioxidants after the subjective effects are over still negates toxicity.
I hunted a bit for that particular article but couldn’t find it. I did however find the relevant information needed to plea my case.
MDMA neurotoxicity happens a few different ways but the route most agreed upon to cause the most damage would be the neurotoxic metabolite theory which then creates an overload of free radicals of the oxidative variety.
The metabolites thought to do this are conjugated forms of HMMA and HMA.
These metabolites don’t form immediately in any significant quantities, it takes time for them to be created.
In this article we see peak MDMA urinary concentrations at 4hr, MDA at 8hr, HMMA at 12hr and HMA at 16hr.

Analysis of MDMA and its Metabolites in Urine and Plasma Following a Neurotoxic Dose of MDMA*
Abstract. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a commonly encountered drug of abuse, has been shown in a variety of studies to cause neurotoxic effect

In this article they detect HMMA up to 33hrs longer than MDMA.

Urinary MDMA, MDA, HMMA, and HMA Excretion Following Controlled MDMA Administration to Humans
Abstract. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), or ecstasy, is excreted as unchanged drug, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), and free and glucuronid

An article which shows the neurotoxicity of these metabolites outweighs that of the parent compounds (MDMA), as well as shows the damage done is time dependent.

Neurotoxicity mechanisms of thioether ecstasy metabolites
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or “ecstasy”), is a widely abused, psychoactive recreational drug that is known to induce neurotoxic effects. …
Now back to my story, I began taking my antioxidants as soon as I came down that same night, usually right before bed. As well as more the next day to keep my antioxidant system “topped off.”
Since making this change I feel I’ve been able to utilize the beneficial nature of these supplements without negating my roll. My comedowns are non-existant even if I roll 2 days in a row (make sure to still average 4-6 rolls a year). I’ve had zero dosage increase in all these years (increasing dose being the number one way to determine if one is experiencing toxicity from this drug.) I truly feel like this method works.
I’ve also used this same method on many people close to me, my wife (who’s been rolling 12yrs now), my family, close friends, and yet to see anyone lose the magic or experience any negativity often associated with this drug.
I’ll finish with this, no need to buy tons of expensive supplements either, I have been using Airborne Chewable tablets which contain a variety of antioxidants and minerals all in one. Who wants to sit there swallowing 15 capsules of various supplements, especially if your at a show or festival? Find something that contains a variety and is easy to consume, if all else fails a multiple vitamin can work in a pinch too.
The main take away is this. We rely on our antioxidants system to negate neurotoxicity (no matter the cause.) During the roll your antioxidant system is being depleted but the nasty neurotoxic metabolites haven’t arrived yet. Upon coming down you taking an antioxidant supplement refills that deplete system just in time for those nasties to arrive. If anything if we were to compare a single dose of antioxidants before a roll VS a single dose after, the after roll dosers would probably be more protected. (Many of the water soluble antioxidants don’t last long in the system.)
So ya, don’t kill your roll with all that Vit C and Lipoic acid your eating every hour and just load up at the end.
-GC