Ecstasy

MDMA is 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine. It usually appears in capsule form. MDMA can be taken orally or injected. It was classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in 1985. Interestingly, MDMA become more prominent when it was used in nightclubs in Dallas in the early 80s.

Ecstasy has a relatively short duration of effect, lasting about 4-6 hours. Tolerance develops rapidly, and increased doses lead to increased physical effects. Ecstasy is one of what are known as "designer" drugs, reflecting the efforts that went into creating them by varying the amphetamine molecule. Ecstasy is sometimes called "X".

MDMA has a variety of physical effects, which are similar to those of amphetamines: tachycardia, hypercapnia, and hyperactivity. It can also cause nausea, loss of appetite, and clenching of the muscles of mastication.

About 20 minutes after taking ecstasy, one experiences some stimulation and mild perceptual distortions. Ecstasy rarely causes visual hallucinations and usually physiological dependence is rarely a problem.

People tend not to use MDMA daily, but rather on weekends. Part of the reason for this relates to the serotonergic depletion that occurs after using MDMA: Repeated doses fail to yield the same effect. It takes about a week for the serotonergic stores to be replenished.

People who have taken SSRIs may not be able to experience the effects of MDMA for several months. Taking MDMA with an MAOI can precipitate serotonin syndrome or a hypertensive crisis.

As with many illicit substances, ecstasy is relatively easy to synthesize.

Pharmacology

Serotonin mediates most of the effects of MDMA. Essentially, MDMA gives rise to a massive serotonergic discharge (in addition to some norepinephrine and dopamine) and blocks reuptake. Ostensibly, this might seem to be a good thing, but in this case the serotonergic release the presynaptic neuron is irreversible damaged through the reduction of serotonergic transporters. Chronic use of MDMA can lead to intractable psychotic depression.

MDMA is partially metabolized through 2D6, though also inhibits 2D6, which can lead to other medication interactions.

MDMA itself is seldom fatal, but is often taken with other drugs, which can cause death. Because MDMA interferes with thermal regulation, it can lead to hyperthermia, which is why there is usually abundant water at raves.

Herbal ecstasy

"Herbal ecstasy" sold in health food stores contains variants of the ingredients below. Herbal ecstasy varies in the amount of rush one experiences.

Ma Huang (ephedra)

Guarana

Chinese Black Ginseng

Gingko Biloba

Cola Nut

Gotu-Kola

Fo ti tieng

Green Tea Extract

Rou Gui