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Stimulants
3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
ecstasy
Drug group - Stimulants
Street names
Ecstasy, E, eccy, XTC, MDA, MDMA, Mitsubishi, sweeties. Sometimes referred to by the logo that appears on them, such as TT, Ferrari, Elizabethan heads, Igloo and Superman, although these frequently change.
Drug effect
Stimulant with mild psychedelic effect. Possible hallucinogenic effect, particularly in high doses. Drug effects begin within 20-60 minutes.
Description
Off-white or occasionally coloured tablets
Clear or coloured capsules
White powder (rare)
Street use
Originally associated with the dance music scene, but now more widespread among young people not necessarily involved with the club scene. Usually taken by mouth.
Dependency
Yes - psychological
Withdrawal
Tolerance to ecstasy develops with time, but not as rapidly as tolerance to cocaine or amphetamine. No evidence of physical withdrawal, although after-effects of the drug can include fatigue, depression and anxiety. 'Flashbacks' following repeated use over several days have been reported.
Long term use
Anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia, especially in cases of long term use or use of large doses. Increased susceptibility to minor infections such as colds, flu and sore throats. Increase in genito-urinary infections reported amongst women. Pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, glaucoma and epilepsy may be exacerbated. May have the potential to cause brain damage associated with mood disorders. In acute cases of ecstasy-related overheating and dehydration, the body's temperature regulation system can be impaired or may break down altogether.
Overdose risk
The risk of overdose from MDA (a close relative of MDMA which is stronger and often sold as ecstasy) is significantly greater (a dose of 500mg of MDA has proved fatal in tests. Such a dose is the equivalent of 3 MDA tablets). Overdose risk has not yet been properly assessed. There have been a number of deaths in the UK linked to the use of ecstasy, most of which are thought to have been associated with a rare but fatal drug reaction which can cause blood clots to develop in the lungs. Ecstasy affects the body's temperature control mechanism and can cause an increase in body temperature to dangerously high levels in rare cases. Cumulative effects of high ambient temperature at a dance venue, coupled with dehydration due to dancing has potential for "double heat-stroke". The drug can cause release of Anti-Diuretic Hormone (ADH) that prevents the production of dilute urine. Excessive drinking causes water build up inside the body cells. There have been reports of people taking heroin to come down from ecstasy.
Legal status
Class A, Schedule 1
Illegal to possess and to supply to others
Maximum penalty
Possession: 7 years
Supplying: Life
SPECIAL NOTE
Drugs such as amphetamine sulphate, LSD, ketamine, ephedrine and paracetamol have been sold as ecstasy.