Ecstasy, MDMA

Category: Stimulant, euphoric empathogen

Chemical name: methylenedioxymethamphetamine

• MDMA is the active chemical ingredient used in producing Ecstasy, but most ecstasy pills are not pure MDMA. Many pills are laced with other drugs such as LSD, cocaine, PCP, speed, amphetamines, ketamine, mushrooms, even prescription drugs like Viagra.
• It most frequently comes in tablet form, but can also be found in capsules or as a powder. It is usually taken orally, and sometimes, though rarely, snorted.
• Because ecstasy is illegal, its production, outside of a lab, can be both expensive and risky. Many of the main ingredients required to make ecstasy are also illegal. To reduce cost and risk, many producers use other content such as amphetamines, caffeine, ephedrine, DXM, MDA or MDE, instead of pure MDMA.
• Effects usually begin to appear approximately 30-60 minutes after oral administration and can last for 3-4 hours. After-effects can be felt up to 24 hours after use, sometimes longer.
• Aside from its recreational use, MDMA is used therapeutically, most notably in psychology and psychiatry.

*Reactions and experiences may vary dramatically from person to person.*

Effects on brain:

Short term:

• MDMA stimulates the release of two neurotransmitters in the brain: serotonin and dopamine. It also prevents the reuptake of these drugs in the brain. Reuptake is what restores the levels of serotonin and dopamine to normal. Effectively, there is a greatly increased amount of serotonin and dopamine circulating in the brain. This is what causes the physical and psychological effects of the drug. Some research suggests that increased serotonin in the brain produces the psychological effects, like mood elevation, and increased dopamine produces the bodily stimulation and euphoria.

• When it releases serotonin, MDMA also depletes your brain’s natural serotonin. It takes some time for your brain to replenish that serotonin. With regular use, your brain does not have the chance to replenish its own serotonin, increasing the chances of experiencing depression related to depleted serotonin levels, especially if use is discontinued after a period of regular use.
• There is experimental evidence showing that MDMA, when it is administered in large or repeated doses, causes the partial degeneration of serotonin nerve receptors in laboratory animals. Some of these receptors grow back to normal over time, some grow differently and others never grow back. There are currently studies under way to determine if MDMA can have the same neurotoxic effects on human brains.

Effects on body:

Short term:

• Possible short term effects include increased energy, decrease in feelings of pain, loss of appetite, visual distortion, rapid and involuntary eye jiggling, moderately increased heart rate and blood pressure (increases with dose), restlessness, shivering, change in body temperature, clenching of the jaw, muscle tension, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, dehydration, overhydration (from drinking too much water to compensate for MDMA’s dehydrating effects), nausea, vomiting, headaches and dizziness.
• Negative effects increase with higher doses and frequent use.

• Possible long term effects include liver toxicity (rare) and a very small risk of death (approximately 2 out of 100 000 users have extreme negative reactions possibly resulting in death).

Effects on behavior:

Short term:

• Possible immediate effects include mood lift, euphoria, talkativeness, decrease in fears and anxieties, feelings of comfort, belonging, love and empathy, a sense of inner peace and acceptance of others, increased awareness and appreciation of sounds, smells, tastes, sights etc, increased pleasure from the sense of touch and being touched, mild visual hallucinations (uncommon), nervousness, experiencing unexpected or unwanted emotions, unintended or inappropriate emotional bonding, anxiety, paranoia, agitation, difficulty concentrating and sadness upon coming down, with mild depression and fatigue for up to a week.
• There is a possibility of psychological crisis requiring hospitalization.
• Negative effects increase with higher doses and frequent use.

• Possible long-term effects include severe depression, fatigue and experiencing a strong or overwhelming urge to repeat the experience

Addiction: Psychological addiction is possible, with individuals who use it regularly finding an increased desire to continue using it.

Tolerance: There is a short period of tolerance after using MDMA. Using MDMA two days in a row will likely result in a diminished experience the second day, but this effect can be reduced by spacing doses 7 or more days apart.

Withdrawal Symptoms: Possible withdrawal symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, depression and trouble concentrating.

*Disclaimer! Nothing you do can make using ecstasy, or MDMA completely safe. All drug use has inherent risks and dangers. The suggestions in this section can only help you reduce some of the associated risks. The best way to avoid the harms related to drug use is to not take the drug at all.*

• MDMA (and ecstasy) are illegal, therefore if you are caught possessing, exchanging, buying or selling this drug it can result in criminal charges.
• Drug use affects the developing mind and body differently than developed ones. Waiting until your mind and body have more fully developed before using substances can have long term health and mental benefits.
• Although the effects of pure MDMA are known, ecstasy tablets may contain many other ingredients resulting in different or unexpected effects. Get your drugs from someone you know and trust and ask questions. Check websites (such as http://www.ecstasydata.org/) that post lab results for different pills and capsules, so you can have a more accurate reading of what is in your drugs, and what effects to expect. You can also purchase a drug-testing kit, to detect the presence of MDMA substitutes. (for more info see, http://www.dancesafe.org/testingkits/)
• Avoid taking MDMA if you are currently taking an MAOI (found in some prescription anti-depressants). If you are unsure if you are taking an MAOI, check with your doctor.
• A maximum recommended dose is about 120-125 milligrams. Take a smaller dose and wait for the effects to appear before deciding whether to take more or not.
• Avoid mixing MDMA with other substances. You can’t be sure what effect the mixture will have on you.
• Use in safe environments with people you trust and who you can rely on if you run into any problems.
• Drink water to avoid hydration that results from increased body temperature, sweating and excessive activity. Avoid drinking too much water to avoid overhydration and its effects.
• If you are participating in excessive physical activity it is important to take breaks and cool-off to avoid overheating and exhaustion.