Drug Fact Sheet: Ecstasy / MDMA

What Is Ecstasy / MDMA?

MDMA acts as both a stimulant and a psychedelic, producing:

• Increased energy
• Distortions in time and perception
• Enhanced enjoyment of tactile experiences

Adolescents and young adults commonly use MDMA to reduce inhibitions and promote:

• Euphoria
• Feelings of closeness
• Empathy
• Sexuality
  

Although MDMA is commonly known as ecstasy, research has shown that many ecstasy tablets contain other harmful substances in addition to MDMA, such as:

• Methamphetamine
• Ketamine
• Cocaine
• Cathinones
• Caffeine
  

Other drugs similar to MDMA, including MDA or PMA, are also sometimes sold as ecstasy. This can increase the risk of overdose and death, especially when users take additional doses to achieve the desired effect.

What Is Its Origin?

MDMA is a synthetic chemical manufactured in laboratories.

Most MDMA seized in the United States is:

• Produced in clandestine laboratories in Canada
• Smuggled across U.S. borders
• To a lesser extent, produced in the Netherlands
  

A small number of illegal MDMA laboratories have also been identified operating within the United States.

Common Street Names

Ecstasy / MDMA is known by many street names, including:

• Adam
• Beans
• Clarity
• Disco Biscuit
• E
• Ecstasy
• Eve
• Go
• Hug Drug
• Lover’s Speed
• MDMA
• Peace
• STP
• X
• XTC

What Does It Look Like?

MDMA is most commonly distributed in tablet form.

Key characteristics include:

• Tablets are often stamped with logos or designs
• Pills are colorful and sometimes hidden among the candy
• Sold as branded pills to attract users
  

MDMA is also distributed as:

• Capsules
• Powder
• Liquid
  

How Is MDMA Abused?

MDMA is most commonly abused by swallowing tablets (usually 50–150 mg).

Other methods include:

• Crushing and snorting tablets
• Occasionally smoking
• Rarely injecting
  

MDMA users may engage in:

• Stacking – taking three or more tablets at once
• Piggy-backing – taking several tablets over a short period of time
  

A popular trend among young adults is “candy flipping,” which involves using MDMA together with LSD.

MDMA is considered a party drug and is rarely used alone. It is commonly mixed with other substances such as:

• Alcohol
• Marijuana
  

Effects on the Mind

MDMA primarily affects brain cells that use serotonin, a chemical responsible for regulating:

• Mood
• Aggression
• Sexual activity
• Sleep
• Sensitivity to pain
  

Clinical studies suggest that MDMA use may lead to long-term or permanent memory and learning problems.

Common psychological effects include:

• Euphoria
• Increased energy
• Heightened sensitivity to touch
• Sensual and sexual arousal
• Increased desire for physical contact and stimulation
  

Unwanted Psychological Effects

• Confusion
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Paranoia
• Sleep disturbances
• Drug cravings
  

Effects typically begin 30–45 minutes after ingestion and last 4–6 hours, though some effects may persist for weeks.

Effects on the Body

MDMA produces effects similar to other stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines, including:

• Increased motor activity
• Heightened alertness
• Increased heart rate
• Elevated blood pressure
  

Unwanted Physical Effects

• Muscle tension
• Tremors
• Involuntary teeth clenching
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Faintness
• Chills
• Sweating
• Blurred vision
  

Severe dehydration can occur due to the drug’s effects combined with hot, crowded environments where MDMA is often used.

Chronic MDMA use may damage the brain’s serotonin system. Ironically, a drug taken to increase pleasure may reduce a person’s ability to feel pleasure over time.

Overdose Effects

High doses of MDMA can disrupt the body’s ability to regulate temperature. This may cause hyperthermia, leading to:

• Liver failure
• Kidney failure
• Cardiovascular system failure
• Death

Because MDMA interferes with its own breakdown in the body, repeated use in a short time can lead to dangerously high drug levels.

Drugs With Similar Effects

MDMA produces:

• Amphetamine-like stimulation
• Mild mescaline-like hallucinations

Legal Status in the United States

MDMA is classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning:

• It has a high potential for abuse
• It has no currently accepted medical use in treatment
• It lacks accepted safety for use under medical supervision