MDMA (ECSTASY)

Synonyms	The most common synonyms are: Adam, B-bombs, Beans, Clarity, Crystal, Decadence, Disco biscuit, E, Essence, Euphoria, Eve, Go, Hug drug, Iboga, Love drug, Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, M&M, Molly, Morning shot, Party pills, Pollutants, Rolls, Scooby snacks, Speed for lovers, Sweeties, Wheels, X, XTC.
Classification	CNS disruptor (stimulant and hallucinogenic effect):
Visual description	Capsules Tablets (come in various colours and are often stamped with designs: happy face, yin/yang symbol, Playboy bunny, dove, etc.) Powder/fine crystals
Mechanism of action	Blocks the reuptake and promotes the release of serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline. The emotional and pro social effects of MDMA are likely caused by the release of large amounts of serotonin. This may explain the feeling of empathy and the increased need for intimacy associated with this drug.
Routes of administration	Ingested (the most common route), smoked, injected or snorted.

Effects sought out by the user

• Desire to communicate with others
• Distorted perception of time
• Euphoria
• Extraversion
• Heightened sensuality and increased need for intimacy
• Heightening and distortion of sensory and enjoyment perceptions
• Intensification of emotions
• Lowered inhibitions
• Reduced fatigue
• Self-confidence
• Spontaneity

Common toxic effects

• Anxiety and insomnia
• Back ache, muscle pain and tension
• Confusion
• Defensive attitude
• Dehydration
• Depressive state
• Dilated pupils
• Disorientation
• Dry mouth
• Exhaustion
• Flushing and excessive sweating
• Headache
• Impulsivity
• Increased heart rate
• Irrational behaviour
• Jaw tension
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of motivation
• Mental fatigue
• Motor tics, gait disturbance
• Nystagmus (involuntary, jerky eye movements) and blurred vision
• Obsessive behaviour
• Sexual dysfunction: erectile dysfunction; may prevent women from reaching orgasm
• Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
• Teeth grinding
• Trismus (masticatory muscle spasm)
• Urinary retention or urgent need to urinate

 

Overdose effects

• Abnormal increase in body temperature
• Agitation
• Angina pectoris
• Cardiac arrest
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Convulsions
• Death
• Hemorrhage
• High blood pressure
• Kidney damage
• Liver damage
• Muscle damage
• Panic
• Psychosis
• Severe depression
• Stroke
• Thrombosis

Effects associated with chronic use

• Anxiety and persistent fear
• Hallucination flashbacks
• Kidney and liver disorders
• Loss of appetite or decreased appetite and weight loss
• Major depressive disorder and suicidal thoughts
• Memory deficits and altered cognitive functions
• Outbursts of rage
• Sleep disorder

Toxic effects for insensitive users

• Corneal erosion
• Feelings of unreality
• Hypertonicity and incontinence
• Nausea and vomiting
• Panic attacks, suicidal thoughts

Tolerance (need to increase the dose to feel the same effect)

Tolerance to MDMA appears to develop quickly.

Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms are caused by a depletion of serotonin and may include depression and anxiety. Other symptoms associated with withdrawal are insomnia, panic attacks, agitation, psychosis and delusions. 

Onset and duration of action

Route of administration	Onset of action	Peak	Duration of action
Ingested	about 20 to 70 minutes	about 2 hours	about 4 to 6 hours

Intoxication management

• No antidote available.
• Treatment is mainly symptomatic.

Many different street drugs are sold under the same name.

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