Ectasy

Ecstasy (MDMA; 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a psychoactive drug primarily used for recreational purposes. The desired effects include altered sensations, increased energy, empathy, as well as pleasure. When taken by mouth, effects begin after 30–45 minutes and last 3–6 hours.

Effects

Users of ecstasy experience effects such as an enhanced sense of pleasure, increased energy, and emotional warmth. However, it also comes with potential negative effects like nausea, blurred vision, chills, sweating, and in severe cases, it can cause hyperthermia, dehydration, and heart failure. The drug's empathogenic effects make it popular in social settings like clubs and music festivals.

Chemistry

MDMA is classified as a substituted amphetamine and shares structural similarities with both amphetamine and mescaline. It acts primarily by increasing the activity of three neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. The increase in serotonin is responsible for the mood-lifting effects of MDMA but also contributes to the potential for neurotoxic effects.

History

MDMA was first synthesized in 1912 by the German pharmaceutical company Merck. However, it did not become popular as a recreational drug until the late 1970s and early 1980s, when it was promoted as a psychotherapy medication to "lower inhibitions." It was not until the 1980s that MDMA grew in popularity in the nightclub scene and at "raves," leading to its eventual ban in many countries in the late 1980s.

Legal Status

The legal status of MDMA varies by country, but it is commonly listed as a controlled substance. In the United States, it was designated as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act in 1985, indicating a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.

Medical Use

Research into the therapeutic potential of MDMA has grown in recent years, particularly for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety in terminally ill patients. Clinical trials have shown promising results, but MDMA remains a Schedule I substance, limiting its availability for medical use.

See Also

• Amphetamines
• Psychedelic Drugs
• Recreational Drug Use
• Substance Abuse