MDMA acts as both a stimulant and psychedelic, producing an
energizing effect, distortions in time and perception, and
enhanced enjoyment of tactile experiences. Adolescents and
young adults use it to reduce inhibitions and to promote:
euphoria, feelings of closeness, empathy, and sexuality.
Although MDMA is known among users as Ecstasy, researchers
have determined that many Ecstasy tablets contain not only
MDMA but also a number of other drugs or drug combinations
that can be harmful, such as: methamphetamine, ketamine,
cocaine, the over-the-counter cough suppressant
dextromethorphan (DXM), the diet drug ephedrine, and caffeine. In
addition, other drugs similar to MDMA, such as MDA or PMA,
are often sold as Ecstasy, which can lead to overdose and death when the user takes additional doses to obtain the
desired effect.
- Commly names:
Adam, Beans, Clarity, Disco Biscuit, E, Ecstasy, Eve, Go, Hug Drug, Lover's Speed, MDMA, Peace, STP, X, XTC
- Looks like:
MDMA is mainly distributed in tablet form. MDMA tablets are sold with logos, creating brand names for users to seek
out. The colorful pills are often hidden among colorful candies. MDMA is also distributed in capsules, powder, and liquid
forms.
Methods of abuse
MDMA use mainly involves swallowing tablets (50-150 mg), which are sometimes crushed and snorted, occasionally
smoked but rarely injected. MDMA is also available as a powder. MDMA abusers usually take MDMA by
“stacking” (taking three or more tablets at once) or by “piggy-backing” (taking a series of tablets over a short period of
time). One trend among young adults is “candy flipping,” which is the co-abuse of MDMA and LSD. MDMA is
considered a “party drug.” As with many other drugs of abuse, MDMA is rarely used alone. It is common for users to
mix MDMA with other substances, such as alcohol and marijuana.
- Affect on mind:
MDMA mainly affects brain cells that use the chemical serotonin to communicate with each other. Serotonin helps to
regulate mood, aggression, sexual activity, sleep, and sensitivity to pain. Clinical studies suggest that MDMA may
increase the risk of long-term, perhaps permanent, problems with memory and learning. MDMA causes changes in
perception, including euphoria and increased sensitivity to touch, energy, sensual and sexual arousal, need to be
touched, and need for stimulation. Some unwanted psychological effects include: confusion, anxiety, depression,
paranoia, sleep problems, and drug craving. All these effects usually occur within 30 to 45 minutes of swallowing the
drug and usually last 4 to 6 hours, but they may occur or last weeks after ingestion.
- Affect on body:
Users of MDMA experience many of the same effects and face many of the same risks as users of other stimulants
such as cocaine and amphetamines. These include increased motor activity, alertness, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Some unwanted physical effects include: muscle tension, tremors, involuntary teeth clenching, muscle cramps,
nausea, faintness, chills, sweating, and blurred vision. High doses of MDMA can interfere with the ability to regulate
body temperature, resulting in a sharp increase in body temperature (hyperthermia), leading to liver, kidney and
cardiovascular failure. Severe dehydration can result from the combination of the drug’s effects and the crowded and ho
conditions in which the drug is often taken. Studies suggest chronic use of MDMA can produce damage to the
serotonin system. It is ironic that a drug that is taken to increase pleasure may cause damage that reduces a person’s
ability to feel pleasure.
Drugs causing similar effects:
No one other drug is quite like MDMA, but MDMA produces both amphetamine-like stimulation and mild mescaline-like
hallucinations.
- Overdose effects:
In high doses, MDMA can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature. On occasions, this can lead to a
sharp increase in body temperature (hyperthermia), resulting in liver, kidney, and cardiovascular system failure, and
death. Because MDMA can interfere with its own metabolism (that is, its break down within the body), potentially
harmful levels can be reached by repeated drug use within short intervals.
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