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Ecstacy Facts

Effects of Ecstacy
Tolerance and Dependance
Mixing Ecstasy with other Drugs
History

General Information

What is Ecstacy?

the common name for MethyleneDioxyMethAmphetamine, or MDMA

is a synthetic drug usually sold as small tablets which come in a variety of colors and sizes

is also available as powder and can be snorted or injected

is a stimulant because it speeds up the functions of the central nervous system.

Effects of Ecstacy

The effects of ecstasy depend on :

the amount taken
individual experience with the drug
mood
how the drug is taken
quality and purity of the drug
The effects can start after about an hour and can last up to six hours, but may last as long as 32 hours.
Immediate Effects

Immediate effects of ecstasy can include:

increased feelings of self confidence
well-being and feeling close to others
a rise in blood pressure
a rise in body temperature
a rise pulse rate
jaw clenching
teeth grinding
sweating
dehydration
nausea
anxiety

As ecstasy may cause the body?s temperature to increase it is important to keep sipping water to prevent dehydration. Drinking water does not reduce the effects of ecstasy, it only prevents dehydration. Drinking too much water, however, may lead to serious health complications in some people.

Ecstasy may also produce a "hangover" effect

Symptoms

Symptoms can include:

loss of appetite
insomnia
depression
muscle aches
concentration difficulties (especially the day after taking ecstasy)

Large amounts

Higher doses of ecstasy can produce:
hallucinations
irrational behavior
vomiting
convulsions

Long-term effects

Long term use of ecstasy may cause damage to the:
brain
heart
liver

Overdose

Overdose of ecstasy can occur and some deaths have been related to overheating and dehydration.

Tolerance and Dependance

People can develop tolerance to the pleasurable effects of ecstasy. This means that more ecstasy is needed to get the same effects as before.

Mixing Ecstasy with other Drugs

Other drugs are often used with ecstasy as a way of coping with some of its undesirable effects. Little is known about the effects of these combinations. In general, health risks tend to increase when two or more drugs are used together, particularly if the doses are large.

History

MDMA was developed in 1914 by a German chemical company as an appetite suppressant

In the 1970s it was used by some therapists to help people explore their feelings for each other.