Ecstasy (MDMA) is a synthetic drug with both hallucinogenic and amphetamine-like properties. It's chemically similar to two other synthetic drugs, MDA and methamphetamine, which cause irreversible brain damage by reducing the brains ability to develop correctly and destroying cells responsible for serotonin production. The problems associated with Ecstasy are similar to those of cocaine, crack and amphetamines.

Cost

unknown

Street Names

e, mdma, dennis the menace, rhubarb and custard, new yorkers, love doves, disco burgers, phase 4, diamonds, fantasy, echoes, essence, adam, eve, xtc

Methods of Consumption

Ecstasy is usually swallowed as a pill, liquid capsule or tablet.

Consequences & Associated Risks

Ecstasy raises the body temperature, which in itself acts as a stimulant, which greatly increases the chances of dehydration leading to a possible stoke. It also has a detrimental effect on the liver and causes anxiety and panic attacks, paranoia, confusion and insomnia, which usually disappear after suspension of use.

It causes an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, tremors (possibly epileptic seizures to those prone to them), deterioration of the central nervous system, decreases sensitivity to touch and pain, convulsions, heart and lung failure leading to death. Psychological risks of using ecstasy include depression, anxiety, paranoia, confusion, lack of control, flashbacks and meaningless repetitive movements.

Effects

The effects of ecstasy consumption usually take about 20 minutes to come into effect and can last for several hours. Some users describe a feeling of rushed energy followed by a sense of well being with higher level of perception (especially color and sound). Others start to fell sick with stiffening of their extremities followed by a sensation of extreme thirst, paranoia and depression.

Benefits

none

Once its effects dissipate, how do you feel?

As wih many drugs, what goes up must come down - after use, users may experience nausea, blurred vision, faintness, chills, sweating, and such psychological problems as confusion, depression, sleep problems, craving, severe anxiety, paranoia, and psychotic episodes.