XTC, Ecstasy, MDMA
MDMA, also known as Ecstasy, X, XTC, X-TC, and 3,4-Methylenedioxy Methamphetamine, is a designer drug often found at rave parties. Ecstasy is an amphetamine derivative with a chemical structure similar to methamphetamine and MDA. Ecstasy is generally sold in the pill or tablet form.
Fatal Risks
When combined with alcohol or depressants, Ecstasy can increase the possibility of sedation, dehydration, exhaustion, overheating, and heart failure. Combining Ecstasy with Rohypnol can cause heart failure, coma, and death. Even in young and healthy individuals, combined use of these drugs has caused coma and death.Effects
The effects of Ecstasy vary with the individual taking it, dose, purity, and environment in which it is taken. Ecstasy can produce stimulant effects including enhanced sense of pleasure, self-confidence, and increased energy. Ecstasy may also induce temporary feelings of peacefulness, acceptance, and empathy.Ecstasy users may experience confusion, depression, sleep problems, drug cravings, anxiety, paranoia, and psychotic episodes during and after use. Users may also experience muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision, rapid eye movements, faintness, chills, sweating, increases in heart rate, and hypertension. Ecstasy may also affect production of neurotransmitters responsible for motor and cognitive processes. Individuals who develop a rash similar to acne after using Ecstasy risk severe side effects such as liver damage.
Information adapted from the University of Notre Dame Office of Alcohol and Drug Education (2006)