From 1 July 2023, specialist authorised psychiatrists can access:
- MDMA for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and
- Psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
The psychiatrist must be an Authorised Prescriber. They will need permission from a human research ethics committee.
If authorised, psychiatrists must supervise their patients when they take the medicine. This will be in a hospital, clinic or another health setting.
MDMA and psilocybin medicines cannot be used by a person without the supervision of their psychiatrist. This means patients are not able to take the medicine home with them or access it outside the health facility.
Restricting use of these substances to medical settings means the risk of diversion or illegal use in the community is extremely low.
What are MDMA and psilocybin?
MDMA and psilocybin are psychedelic substances that show promise in the treatment of PTSD and TRD, respectively, in patients for whom other therapies have been ineffective. The evidence shows that there may be benefit when used in combination with psychotherapy under a strictly controlled treatment protocol.
Access psilocybin and MDMA products
Patients should speak to their general practitioner. If they think MDMA or psilocybin might work, the GP can make a referral to a psychiatrist.
There are currently no approved MDMA or psilocybin containing products on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Medicines not on the ARTG are known as 'unapproved'.
Unapproved medicines have not been assessed by us for safety, quality and efficacy.
Clinical trials
Patients may also be able to participate in clinical trials of psilocybin or MDMA.
Read more about how to be part of a clinical trial.
Support services
Some people may find issues relating to MDMA and psilocybin distressing. If you or someone you know needs support, contact a crisis support helpline:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue: 1800 512 348
- MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978