Ecstasy, commonly known as MDMA or Molly, is a synthetic drug that is generally associated with increased feelings of empathy and compassion towards others. The effects of MDMA, though, can be fatal.
It is also classed as a stimulant, as it speeds up the central nervous system and can even cause hallucinations at higher doses.
Apart from the sought-after pleasurable effects of MDMA, the drug can produce dangerous and even fatal side effects.
Ecstasy is the name that is used to describe 3,4–methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA. [1]
MDMA, or Molly, was initially popular at nightclubs or raves for its mood and perception-altering powers. Now, though, the drug is used by a wider range of people for several differing reasons.
It is an illegal drug with similar chemical properties to stimulant drugs such as amphetamines and hallucinogens like LSD.
As Ecstasy (MDMA) is a synthetic drug, produced in a lab, it can often be contaminated with other substances like methamphetamines, fentanyl or bath salts. You also have no idea if your dose has been made strong or weak.
This can be extremely dangerous and cause an overdose or serious side effects. [2]
People who use MDMA normally take it as a tablet or capsule. Some also choose to swallow it in liquid ecstasy form or even crush it and snort the powder.
Ecstasy is usually used to get a euphoric rush or to increase alertness. This is typically carried out at a party, rave or club night.
However, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the typical person using MDMA has been changing and is thought to be spreading to populations of a wide range who are outside of the party scene. [3]
Ecstasy (MDMA) affects the brain in various ways.
MDMA increases the activity of three chemicals in the brain: dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin.
The increased levels of dopamine mean you will produce more energy and act within the reward system to reinforce your behaviours. Reinforcing your behaviours means that you are more likely to undertake risky activities and therefore cause harm to yourself or those around you.
A higher level of norepinephrine increases your heart rate and blood pressure. Those with heart and blood vessel problems are at a particularly increased risk when taking MDMA.
The boost of serotonin affects your mood, sleep and your appetite. It also causes hormones that affect sexual arousal to be triggered. You might find that you become more trusting and closer to those around you. [4]
The effects of Ecstasy (MDMA) are usually felt within 45 minutes of taking the drug and can last 3-6 hours, depending on how many doses you take. [5]
As a result of the change in chemical levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin, MDMA has a large effect on you mentally.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, some of the most common psychological effects of MDMA are:
MDMA also influences your physical body and causes many undesirable, adverse effects.
Some of the most common physical effects of MDMA include: [6]
After taking Ecstasy (MDMA), there is a large increase in the risk of engaging in reckless behaviour.
In the hours after taking MDMA, you could suffer from reductions in perceiving and predicting motion. This means that your ability to judge whether your car is at risk of crashing with another is impaired.
Another dangerous side effect is a heightened risk of MDMA use encouraging unsafe sexual behaviour which increases the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as HIV/AIDs or hepatitis.
As MDMA is an illegal recreational drug, there is also the danger that it could be mixed with other drugs and therefore impure. In addition, you might take MDMA alongside other substances such as alcohol or cannabis.
Taking MDMA with alcohol can be dangerous and increase the risk of dehydration.
If the strength of the MDMA dose is particularly high or if you have taken a large amount of MDMA, this can cause a bad reaction, a risk of overdose and large negative effects on your body.
Signs of an overdose include:
MDMA can cause serious harm to your body.
Some of the most serious physical effects include:
There isn’t enough evidence to prove that MDMA is addictive, however, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse the drug does target some of the same neurotransmitters in the brain that are also targeted by addictive drugs.
It is also reported that those who use MDMA regularly feel symptoms of addiction such as drug cravings, withdrawal symptoms and tolerance build-up.
Just as studies for the addictive negative effects of MDMA, there also aren’t many studies on the effects of long-term use of MDMA.
However, some reports suggest that long-term MDMA use can cause:
If you require further help with MDMA use, the most effective treatment is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which works on how you think and behave. CBT encourages you to modify your actions and drug use.
You might also benefit from a support meeting, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA). NA can help you stay clean and recover.
As Ecstasy (MDMA) is more psychologically addictive, withdrawing from MDMA may cause your mood to be altered and other short-term, negative side effects.
Withdrawal symptoms might cause short-term effects like:
There is plenty of help available if you want to cut ties with your relationship with MDMA.
If you have noticed that the effects of ecstasy use are damaging your health, or you just want to quit completely, then Rehab 4 Addiction is here to help.
Our staff are always here to help answer any questions you might have about your drug use or addiction. We can guide you to the best possible treatment or simply just offer non-judgemental advice.
Call Rehab 4 Addiction today on 0800 140 4690 for further advice and support.
[1] https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/mdma-ecstasymolly
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/polysubstance-use/index.html
[3] https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/mdma-ecstasy-abuse/who-is-using-mdma
Boris is our editor-in-chief at Rehab 4 Addiction. Boris is an addiction expert with more than 20 years in the field. His expertise covers a broad of topics relating to addiction, rehab and recovery. Boris is an addiction therapist and assists in the alcohol detox and rehab process. Boris has been featured on a variety of websites, including the BBC, Verywell Mind and Healthline. You can connect with Boris online at LinkedIn or X.com.
