Ecstasy is a hallucinogenic drug in the same category as LSD, PCP and mescaline. Ecstasy was originally known as MDMA for its chemical composition (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) and developed its nickname as a result of the feelings of euphoria the drug produces. Ecstasy is also known as E, X, rolls, beans, adam, thizz, skittles and stacks.
Chemically, MDMA (or Ecstasy) is similar to the stimulant methamphetamine and the hallucinogen mescaline; however, most ecstasy pills bought on the street do not contain pure MDMA. They are usually “cut” or laced with other chemicals. These include other hallucinogens, caffeine, dextromethorphan (the active ingredient in cough syrup), cocaine or heroin.
Methods of Abuse
Ecstasy is popular with teenagers and young adults and is taken orally, usually in the form of a capsule or tablet. These tablets are manufactured in many different colors and dosages, and are usually imprinted or shaped with the maker’s logo. MDMA is often used in underground nightclubs known as raves or taken as part of a mix of drugs during “pharm parties.”
Ecstasy’s Effect on the Body
Ecstasy produces feelings of excess energy, euphoria, emotional warmth, distortions in time and increased tactile experiences. These effects occur because MDMA primarily affects the neurons in the brain that use serotonin to send messages to the rest of the body (neurotransmitter).
Serotonin is a naturally occurring chemical that regulates sleep, digestion, mood, sexual activity and sensitivity to pain. Ecstasy causes a surplus of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine to be released in the brain and binds to the serotonin transporter. This binding stops the transporter from removing the serotonin and ending the signal that is being communicated between the brain’s neurons.
Effectively, the brain sends signals of happiness, comfort and sexual attraction for much longer and in much greater amounts than it normally would.
Dangers of Ecstasy Use
Because the brain releases such an excess amount of serotonin, when users “come down,” they often experience depression, sleep problems, severe anxiety and perform poorly in certain types of cognitive and memory tasks.
In addition, MDMA can be dangerous to overall health, causing increased heart rate and blood pressure. Also MDMA can cause involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision and fainting .
Often a common side effect of ecstasy use is dehydration because the user will experience false feelings of extra energy and will participate in physical activities such as dancing for much longer than a non-user would. Ecstasy can also interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature, which can on rare occasions lead to hyperthermia, which can cause liver, kidney, cardiovascular failure or death.
Signs and Symptoms of Ecstasy Use
Some signs that a person could be high on ecstasy include:
- Blurred vision
- Rapid eye movement
- Pupil dilation
- Unconscious jaw clenching teeth grinding
- High body temperature
- Dehydration
- Severe anxiety
- Very affectionate
- Transfixed on sights and sounds
After ecstasy use, the user can experience several side effects that are similar to a hangover: dizziness, vomiting or nausea, a sore jaw from clenching or grinding their teeth, and depression due to the lack of serotonin in the brain.
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