What is MDMA (‘ecstasy’)

Methylene DioxyMethAmphetamine (MDMA)– usually called ‘ecstasy’ – is a drug made from different chemicals. It can contain both amphetamines and some hallucinogens.

Amphetamines are stimulant drugs, which means they speed up the brain and the central nervous system. Hallucinogens are drugs that can cause people to see, hear, feel or smell things that do not exist (to have ‘hallucinations’).

Other names for ecstasy include ‘E’, ‘eccy’ …

Forms of ecstasy
Ecstasy is usually made illegally and is sold as small tablets in various sizes and colours. It can also come in powder form to be inhaled through the nose (‘snorted’). Rarely, some people inject ecstasy.

People who make ecstasy often mix or ‘cut’ the substance with other things to make the drug go further. Some substances in the tablet or powder can have unpleasant or harmful effects. It is difficult to tell what the drug actually contains.

Effects of ecstasy
What ecstasy does to you depends on:

• how much you take
• your height and weight
• your general health
• your mood
• your past experience with ecstasy
• whether you use ecstasy on its own or with other drugs
• whether you use alone or with others, at home or at a party, etc.

Small amounts
When you take a small amount of ecstasy, the effects can start within an hour and last up to about six hours. Some effects may continue for up to 32 hours.
You may feel:

• very good and confident
• close or affectionate to other people
• anxious
• paranoid (fear that others want to hurt you).