Author: Gary Jackson

What is MDMA? National Institute on Drug Abuse NIDA

When ecstasy use is followed by vigorous physical activity, it can lead to a potentially dangerous rise in body temperature known as hyperthermia. Unlike other recreational drugs such as cocaine and nicotine, which are derived from plants, ecstasy is synthesized by altering the structure of the amphetamine molecule. MDMA is commonly found in tablet or capsule form but can also be a powder or crystal. The pills come in different colours and sizes and often have a picture, symbol or logo. When sold in pill form, two pills with the same logo or symbol may have different effects — they can come from different sources and have different ingredients. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a common recreational drug.

It may be able to help those dealing with trauma to feel safe and capable of breaking out of harmful thought patterns. Fentanyl can make drugs it’s mixed with, including MDMA, more dangerous. Often, people who purchase MDMA and other drugs are unaware those drugs have been cut with fentanyl. MDMA is often called molly or ecstasy and is frequently taken in pill or capsule form. Mostly known as a ‘party drug,’ MDMA may also have use in therapy for PSTD, anxiety, eating disorders, and more.

Forms

Thanks to oxytocin, many people describe feeling “loved up” while under the influence of MDMA. MDMA is a psychedelic often referred to as the “hug drug.” With a reputation as a party pill, MDMA can heighten sensations and enhance social connection. However, this potent compound boasts therapeutic uses that extend far beyond its ability to bring good feels at a rave. Describes the science behind MDMA (ecstasy) abuse, including what it does to the brain, whether it is addictive, and the… It’s important to note that recreational use is often much more frequent and higher in dose than therapeutic use. When you contact 911, always let them know what drugs the person took and how much.

  • MDMA can produce stimulant effects such as an enhanced sense of pleasure and self-confidence and increased energy.
  • Clinical studies suggest that ecstasy may increase the risk of long-term or permanent problems with memory and learning.
  • Through a number of different chemical formulations, safrole can be synthesized into MDMA.

Recently, the FDA designated MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD as a Breakthrough Therapy and ongoing MDMA studies can be found on clinicaltrials.gov. Some people who use MDMA do report symptoms of addiction, including continued use despite negative consequences, tolerance, withdrawal, and craving, according to the NIH. Damage to brain serotonin neurons can occur; serotonin is thought to play a role in regulating mood, memory, sleep, and appetite. Studies are conflicting on MDMA use and its affects on memory and cognition. It is also available as a powder and is sometimes snorted, taken as a liquid, and it is occasionally smoked but rarely injected. For a few years, in an attempt to circumvent the law, different versions of ecstasy were synthesized, which was the basis of the designer drugs movement.

Can I get addicted to Ecstasy?

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. In addition, fentanyl has been increasingly found cut into other street drugs, often unknown by the user and leading to fatalities. There are currently no FDA-approved medications to treat ecstasy addiction.

  • Studies are conflicting on MDMA use and its affects on memory and cognition.
  • Research has shown that animals will self-administer MDMA, an indicator of a drug’s abuse potential.
  • MDMA is more likely to lead to a serious emergency, like an overdose, if it’s been cut with another drug.
  • Abusers may also use in conjunction with other psychoactive drugs like LSD.
  • If you experience lasting effects after taking ecstasy, be sure to seek help from a medical professional as soon as possible.

Twelve-step recovery programs and support groups can also be helpful, particularly when used in conjunction with cognitive behavioral interventions. Another significant danger is the fact that people who take ecstasy don’t really know what they are actually ingesting. It is important to note, however, that this research is still in the early stages. More research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness of medical MDMA. The medical use of MDMA is highly regulated and only administered by healthcare professionals in regulated settings. MDMA is legally controlled in most of the world under the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances and other international agreements, although exceptions exist for research and limited medical use.