Ecstasy

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (commonly abbreviated MDMA), which is widely referred to as Ecstasy, is a psychedelic drug that is illegal in the United States. It is considered to be a stimulant. It is usually taken in pill form, although it can also be snorted. By releasing stored serotonin, MDMA creates an intense feeling of happiness. Repeated use can cause neurotoxicity.

Recently, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) has received FDA-approval for research into the possible benefits of MDMA in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. [1]

[2] MDMA is heavily associated with "rave" culture.

Effects of MDMA

MDMA dramatically increases one's heart rate and can affect memory, the body's ability to regulate temperature, and lead to depression, anxiety, and sleep problems, nausea, dehydration/headstroke, among other things. [3] It produces a euphoric "high" that lasts several hours by releasing norepinephrine, but depression and a general feeling of malaise are a frequent result once the high wears off. Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (commonly abbreviated MDMA), which is widely referred to as Ecstasy, is a psychedelic drug that is illegal in the United States. It is considered to be an empathogenic-enactogen. It is usually taken in pill form, although it can also be insufflated.

The drug first achieved wide-spread popularity when a now-former priest, Michael Clegg, residing in Texas, was inspired by his first experience with the drug. He claimed that he had always wanted to know "the thoughts of God". At a time when the substance was unscheduled and unregulated, he began giving the drug away for free, but started selling it when the cost of production became "prohibitively expensive". [4]

Recently, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) has received FDA-approval for research into the possible benefits of MDMA in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. The results thus far have been uniquely promising. [5]

Effects of MDMA

MDMA produces a euphoric "high" that lasts several hours by releasing serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin amongst other neurotransmitters. Users become extraordinarily peaceful and friendly as almost all hostility is repressed. A short period of diminished mood and a general feeling of malaise are a common once the high diminishes, although many users report little or no negative after-effects.

At high doses, MDMA may elevate heart rate and blood pressure significantly, cause dehydration, and hyperthermia. When used repeatedly on the order of several times a month, depression, persistent anxiety, and short-term memory loss may result. Whether or not these effects are reversible remains an area of ongoing research.