MDMA (Ecstasy)

What is MDMA?

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy) is a designer drug first synthesized in 1914 by a German drug company for the treatment of obesity. Those who take the drug frequently report adverse effects, such as increased muscle tension and sweating. MDMA is not clearly a stimulant, although it has, in common with amphetamine drugs, a capacity to increase blood pressure and heart rate. MDMA does produce some perceptual changes in the form of increased sensitivity to light, difficulty in focusing, and blurred vision in some users. Its mechanism of action is thought to be via release of the neurotransmitter serotonin. MDMA may also release dopamine, although the general opinion is that this is a secondary effect of the drug (Nichols and Oberlender, 1990). The most pervasive effect of MDMA, occurring in virtually all people who took a reasonable dose of the drug, was to produce a clenching of the jaws.

- It is typically used in social settings like raves and dance clubs.

- It is a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception (awareness of surrounding objects and conditions).

- It is chemically similar to both stimulants and hallucinogens, producing feelings of increased energy, pleasure, emotional warmth, and distorted sensory and time perception.

- The drug floods the brain with the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine

Types of MDMA:

- Molly

- Ecstasy

Street Names:

- X, E, or XTC
- Adam
- Beans
- Candy
- Dancing Shoes
- Disco Biscuits
- Doves
- E-bomb
- Egg Rolls
- Happy Pill
- Hug Drug
- Love Drug
- Malcolm (or Malcolm X)
- Molly
- Scooby Snacks
- Smartees
- Sweets
- Skittles
- Thizz
- Vitamin E or Vitamin X
- Vowels

Detection Periods:

Urine = 1-5 Days

Blood = 12-24 Hours

Saliva = 1-5 Days

Hair = Up to 90 Days

Possible Symptoms Up To A Week After Consumption:

- Irritability
- Impulsiveness

- Aggression
- Depression
- Sleep problems
- Anxiety
- Memory and attention problems
- Decreased appetite
- Decreased interest in and pleasure from sex