Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug & other Addiction Services
Airport Executive Plaza
1321 Murfreesboro Pike Suite 155
Nashville, TN 37217
Phone: 615-780-5901 mail@taadas.org

MDMA/Ecstasy

Things You Need To Know


What is Ecstasy?

Ecstasy is a slang or street name for Methylenedioxymethamphetamines (MDMA) It is a synthetic, psychoactive mind-altering drug with hallucinogenic and amphetamine (stimulant) like effects. It alters perception of time and distance.  MDMA was first developed in 1914 as an appetite suppressant or diet drug. It was a legal substance up until 1985. 

MDMA/ Ecstasy produces less stimulation than cocaine or amphetamines and is taken for its hallucinogenic rather than its stimulant properties. 

MDMA/Ecstasy is produced in clandestine laboratories, and is seldom pure.  The amount in a capsule or tablet is likely to vary considerably, which could lead to overdoses.  MDMA is a Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) -- Schedule I Substance -- meaning that it has no medical use and high abuse potential. The Federal penalty for manufacturing or selling can lead to fines up to four million dollars.  A ringleader or head manufacturer could receive life in prison. 

Why the sudden popularity of MDMA / Ecstasy?

This substance has gained in popularity because it enhances self-awareness and is one of the most popular drugs used in “Raves” (see our Rave Club fact sheet), large all night parties. In the mid-1980’s MDMA/Ecstasy burst onto the street drug scene and since 1999 the surge has been back again.  Ecstasy has fast become the drug of choice for young people around the United States and Tennessee is no exception.  It seems to be sweeping the country and is gaining in popularity in rural communities as well as urban areas. Some users have reported a sense of well-being and sensuality, also a heightened sensory perception and insight. It makes people who use it feel a strong sense of empathy and emotional intimacy. 

What are the effects of MDMA / Ecstasy?

Beliefs about Ecstasy are reminiscent of similar claims made about LSD in the 1950’s and 1960’s, which proved to be untrue. According to its proponents, MDMA can make people trust each other and can break down barriers between therapists and patients, lovers, and between family members.  Many problems users encounter with MDMA are similar to those found with the use of Amphetamines and Cocaine.

They are:

·        Psychological difficulties, including confusion, depression, sleep problems, drug craving, severe anxiety, and paranoia -- during and sometimes weeks after taking MDMA (Psychotic episodes have been reported).

·        Physical symptoms such as muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision, rapid eye movement, faintness, and chills or sweating.

Increased heart, blood pressure, pulse and body temperature. (This drug is a special risk for people with heart disease, high blood pressure or circulatory problems.)

Other side effects include: general restlessness and insomnia after the drug has worn off.

What are the some slang names for MDMA/Ecstasy?

·        Adam

·        X-TC, X, X-ing

·        E, Essence

·        Decadence

·        M&M

·        Domex

·        Kleenex

·        Love drug, Love trip

·        MDM

·        Rolling

·        Running

·        Shabu

·        Speed for lovers 

How is MDMA/Ecstasy ingested?

The substance is usually taken orally, sometimes snorted and rarely injected.  It comes in capsule, tablet or pill form. Prices range from $25 to $40 per pill.  A typical dose has an onset of about 20 to 60 minutes.  Users feel a euphoric effect that will last about 3 to 5 hours.   Higher doses can cause confusion, anxiety, depression and extreme physical fatigue, which may last as long as two days. (Similar effects to Methamphetamines overdose. e.g. sweating, chills, fainting)    

What is “Herbal Ecstasy” and what are the effects of it?

In recent years, Herbal Ecstasy has been promoted as a safe alternative to the illegal drug Ecstasy, but has been blamed by the FDA for causing at least 17 deaths and 800 illnesses, including nerve damage, strokes and heart attacks.  

Herbal Ecstasy is found on the shelves of health food stores and convenience markets.   Caffeine and Ephedrine (both stimulants) are the active ingredients in Herbal Ecstasy.  Ephedrine is one of the main ingredients used to manufacture Methamphetamines. It comes in pill form and is usually taken orally. 

Herbal Ecstasy Slang:

·        Cloud 9

·        Rave Energy

·        Ultimate X-phoria

·        X

Just because this drug is promoted as natural doesn’t mean it is safe.  

Source: U.S. DHHS, DEA, Ecstasy.org, and TSC Library, 10/00

 
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