Drug Fact Sheet: Ecstasy (MDMA)
Ecstasy became popular during the “rave” and all-night party scene but and according to the 2004
National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 11 million people have tried Ecstasy at least once. It
has both stimulant and psychedelic properties. Ecstasy affects the brain by altering the activity of
neurotransmitters (chemical messengers which enable nerve cells in the brain to communicate with one
another). Using Ecstacy in moderate to high doses can cause damage to the nerve cells that contain
serotonin. Also, it causes the release of another neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, which can contribute to
an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Ecstasy can also cause a dangerous increase in body
temperature that could lead to kidney failure and possibly even death.
Users of Ecstasy state that they have more energy, enhanced enjoyment of certain experiences, less
anxiety, and a feeling of well being; however, they also report distortions in time and perception. Some
users have reported immediate negative effects from the drug such as anxiety, agitation and recklessness.
In regular users changes affecting memory can last up to a week or longer.
Ecstasy is taken orally in a tablet or capsule form and the effects last about 3 to 6 hours. Most people
report taking two tablets (60-120 mg) and use a second dose after the effects of the first dose begin to fade
increasing the danger associated with using Ecstasy. Often a number of drugs are included in the MDMA
tablet that the user is not aware of. Tablets have been found to contain methamphetamine, caffeine, overthe-counter cough suppressant dextromethorphan, diet drug ephedrine, and cocaine
Undesirable side effects can last for at least a week. Users report that they have had anxiety, restlessness,
irritability and sadness that can mimic clinical depression. Others have had elevated anxiety,
impulsiveness, aggression, sleep disturbances, lack of appetite and reduced interest in sex.
Reported Undesirable Effects of MDMA (up to 1 week or longer after use)
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Anxiety
Restlessness
Irritability
Sadness
Impulsiveness
Aggression
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Sleep disturbances
Lack of appetite
Thirst
Reduced interest in and pleasure from sex
Significant reduction in mental abilities
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Muscle cramping
Blurred vision
Marked rise in body temperature
High blood pressure
Kidney failure
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Loss of consciousness
Seizure
Adverse Side Effects
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Nausea
Chills
Sweating
Dehydration
Heart failure
Involuntary jaw clenching and teeth
grinding
Symptoms of MDMA Overdose
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High blood pressure
Faintness
Panic attacks