ECSTASY

Ø Ecstasy is MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine. It belongs to a family of drugs called “entactogens”, which literally means “touching within”. Other drugs in this category include MDA, MDE and MBDB.

Ø Ecstasy is an illegal, synthetic or designer drug. Designer drugs mimic an already illegal drug by slightly altering the chemical composition. Ecstasy is similar to methamphetamine and MDA in its chemistry, therefore it may have similar effects to other amphetamines. The amount of MDMA needed to get high is close to the toxic dose. Ecstasy acts a central nervous system stimulant.

Ø Ecstasy is found in capsule or pill form of various colors. It may also be in powder form. It is used at “rave” party settings. Other names for Ecstasy are ‘wonder drug’ and XTC, X, Extasy, E or Extacy.

Ø Ecstasy causes the brain to release serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps control mood. Users often experience euphoria, enhanced mental and emotional clarity and heightened sensory perceptions. When the drug wears off in three to six hours the user’s brain has been depleted of serotonin. This can contribute to depression and harm parts of the brain responsible for thought and memory. It has also led to heart attacks, strokes and seizures in some users. Recent studies with humans and baboons revealed that repeated ecstasy use has an adverse effect on serotonin levels in the brain. Recent studies indicate the Ecstasy causes permanent brain damage in areas critical to thoughts and memory. It damages the neurons that use serotonin to communicate with other neurons.

Ø Because users feel energetic, many dance until they are dehydrated. This has led to deaths from heat exhaustion and kidney and cardiovascular system failure. Ecstasy use greatly increases blood pressure and heart rate. Body temperature can increase to 109 degrees. Users who develop an acne-like rash and continue to use Ecstasy are at increased risk of sever liver damage.

feelings of detachment	muscle tension	sweating or chills	insomnia
tremors	hypertension	increase in heart rate	decrease in appetite
dehydration	nausea	fainting	blurred vision/rapid eye movements
loss of drives such as hunger, sleep	death

anorexia	high blood pressure	kidney failure	change in emotion
stroke	affects memory	changes in brain chemistry

confusion	depression	sleep problems	anxiety
paranoia	hallucinations	psychotic episodes	panic