is a Schedule I synthetic, psychoactive drug possessing stimulant
and hallucinogenic properties. MDMA possesses chemical variations
of the stimulant amphetamine or methamphetamine and a hallucinogen,
most often mescaline. It acts as a stimulant to the central nervous
system and it is a "controlled substance", making use,
possession, supply, or production illegal.
Ecstasy is also called MDMA, which stands for methylenedioxymethamphetamine.
The amount of MDMA needed to get "high" is close to the
toxic dose. It is similar to methamphetamine and MDA, which is another
designer drug, in its chemistry, therefore it may have similar affects
to other amphetamines.
Ecstasy is commonly used at "rave" party
settings and can be found in capsule, pill, or powder form of various
colors. "Raves" are all night parties known for their
dance music and drug experimentation. Other
names for ecstasy are wonder drug and XTC.
How is ecstasy used?
MDMA is most often available in tablet form and is usually ingested
orally. It is also available as a powder and is sometimes snorted
and occasionally smoked, but rarely injected. Its effects last approximately
four to six hours. Users of the drug say that it produces profoundly
positive feelings, empathy for others, elimination of anxiety, and
extreme relaxation. MDMA is also said to suppress the need to eat,
drink, or sleep, enabling users to endure two- to three-day parties.
Consequently, MDMA use sometimes results in severe dehydration or
What are the signs someone is abusing Ecstasy (MDMA)?
Ecstasy users are often seen with baby pacifiers or an athletic
mouthpiece because they often involuntarily grind their teeth while
under the influence of Ecstasy. Chemical lightsticks and painter's
or surgeon's masks smeared with scented ointments such as vapor
rub or other scented muscle ointments often are used while taking
Ecstasy. The combination of these products while under the influence
of Ecstasy heightens the user's senses and makes lights, smells
and sounds much more intense.
feelings of detachment; loss of hunger, sleep, and sexual drives;
muscle tension; blurred vision/rapid eye movements; sweating or
chills; insomnia; tremors; hypertension; increase
in heart rate; decrease in appetite; dehydration;
nausea; fainting; death.
anorexia; high blood pressure; kidney failure; stroke; change in
emotion; affects memory; change in brain chemicals.
PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS: confusion; depression; sleep
problems; anxiety; paranoia;
Ecstasy can deplete as much as 90% of the brain's
serotonin supply with two weeks of use. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter
in the brain which controls activities such as regulating aggression,
thinking, sleeping, eating, sensitivity to pain, and mood.
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
NIDA Infofax 13547 and 13674