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. Such research could greatly benefit American veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.[1]
[1] 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. [2] 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.