Ecstasy

MDMA or Ecstasy (3-4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), is a synthetic drug with amphetamine-like and hallucinogenic properties. It is classified as a stimulant. Ecstasy come in a tablet form that is often branded, e.g. Playboy bunnies, Nike swoosh, CK

Taken in pill form, users sometimes take Ecstasy at "raves," clubs, and other parties to keep on dancing and for mood enhancement.

Short-term effects can include involuntary teeth clenching, a loss of inhibitions, unusual displays of affection, transfixion on sights and sounds, muscle tension, nausea, blurred vision, and chills or sweating. After-effects can include sleep problems, anxiety and depression.

Ecstasy can cause severe dehydration, seizures and strokes. It can cause dramatic increases in body temperature and can lead to muscle breakdown, which can cause kidney failure. It can lead to liver and cardiovascular failure, which have been reported in some of the Ecstasy-related fatalities.

Repeated use of Ecstasy ultimately may damage the cells that produce serotonin, which has an important role in the regulation of mood, appetite, pain, learning and memory. There already is research suggesting Ecstasy use can disrupt or interfere with memory.

Also known as: Adam, Bean, E, Ecstasy, M, Roll, X, XTC

USA Federal classification - Schedule I

Great Britain - Class A

Source: http://www.drugfreeamerica.org (National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)), www.dea.gov (DEA website)

Last updated: 27 August 2004