Ecstasy at a Glance
Street names: Often called a club drug or party drug, ecstasy is also known as X, XTC, Adam, MDMA, clarity and essence.
Scientific name: 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA for short).
Taken as: Ecstasy is usually taken in tablet form, but it can also be smoked, injected or taken in liquid form. Drug makers sometimes produce tablets with their own identifying logos.
History: Ecstasy first appeared on the streets in the United States in the 1980s. The drug has gained in popularity, particularly for use at raves, where the drug provides a high with the kind of energy often associated with dance and concert events.
What it is: MDMA is a synthetic drug, considered a hallucinogen with a chemical structure similar to the stimulant methamphetamine. The drug can produce both stimulant and psychedelic sensations.
Effects: Lessening of inhibitions, increase in energy, enhanced self-confidence, enhanced sense of pleasure. The high may last several minutes to an hour or more. Reportedly, this drug produces milder effects than those produced by older hallucinogens such as LSD and mescaline.
Risks: The drug has been shown to interfere with the body's regulation of serotonin, an organic compound believed to be a key in regulating mood, memory, sleep and appetite. Ecstasy can trigger a number of negative effects, sometimes weeks after the drug is taken, including: confusion, depression, nausea, vomiting, psychiatric problems (such as paranoia), hallucinations, blurred vision, sleep problems, fainting, diminished sexual ability, chills or sweating (including dehydration and hyperthermia), restlessness, teeth clenching and muscle tension, heart and kidney failure. In addition, long-term use has been associated with persistent memory problems.
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
Return to RADA's home page