Basics
How it is taken
Recognising ecstasy
Cost
What happens
Possible consequences
Risk reduction
Classification

Basics

• Ecstasy is normally sold as a tablet, and is often known simply as a ‘pill’ or ‘E’
• Other names include descriptions of emblems stamped into the tablet - examples include doves, apples and diamonds
• Ecstasy is a drug called 3,4methelenedioxymethylamphetamine, shortened to MDMA for obvious reasons.

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How it is taken

It is usually taken orally, but powdered MDMA (or crushed pills) can be injected.

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Recognising ecstasy in its different forms

• Ecstasy is usually sold as a tablet (which is white, off-white, yellow, brown or pink). Occasionally ecstasy is sold as a powder or in gelatine capsules
• Lots of pills contain little or no MDMA, and contain other drugs (or substances with no psychotropic effect at all)
• Sometimes what is sold as E is a mixture of other similar compounds like MDA and MDEA. Sometimes a pill will contain other stimulants like amphetamine and caffeine. Some pills contain ketamine, a dissociative anaesthetic used in veterinary medicine
• Buying a tablet with the same ‘brand’ does not guarantee a similar chemical make-up.

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Cost

Like any drug, the cost of a pill varies according to the quantity bought and how well the purchaser knows the vendor

One tablet will usually cost between £7-£10.

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What happens

• MDMA is a stimulant with hallucinogenic properties
• The effects of MDMA start after about 20 minutes and will last for 2-4 hours. The effects of some ‘e’s last longer, but that is because the tablet contains substances other than MDMA
• An initial ‘rush’ can be disorientating for inexperienced users, and may cause slight nausea and imbalance
• The drug produces a burst of energy and euphoria
• Most users find it easy to relate and chat to people
• Inhibitions are reduced and confidence is boosted
• Most users describe enhanced awareness of their own and other’s feelings
• Ecstasy use tends to alter libido, although interest in sex can increase or reduce
• Inability to differentiate between that that is desirable and not ("ooh, it’s all so lovely") is common.

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Possible consequences

• MDMA interferes with the body’s ability to regulate temperature. Someone who uses ecstasy in a hot environment (like in a night club) or whilst exercising (or dancing) risks dehydration and heat exhaustion. Overheating can lead to damage of major organs, coma and ultimately death (although this is unusual)
• MDMA can affect concentration and co-ordination
• Regular use can result in anxiety and panic attacks, paranoia and insomnia. In this context ‘regular’ can mean at least once a week. Higher doses will tend to accentuate unwanted after effects. Like amphetamine, large doses of MDMA can also cause short term psychosis
• Loss of appetite can lead to malnourishment
• Long-term effects of taking ecstasy regularly have not been determined. Some recent studies suggest damage to the liver and brain cells, although the studies have tended to rely on evidence involving very high doses
• Long term use of stimulants is linked to depression and other mental illnesses
• Ecstasy tends to reduce an individual’s ability to make subjective decisions about what’s ‘good’ or ‘bad’ - everything’s lovely.
• Negotiating safer sex can be difficult while under the influence of ecstasy.

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Risk reduction

The following guidance may help users to reduce risks associated with ecstasy use:

• Avoid using regularly
• Ecstasy relies on the presence of a neurotransmitter (seratonin or 5HT) for its effect. This substance needs to be replaced by the body after MDMA use. Most people who take large doses of MDMA or who take MDMA regularly quickly find that the experience feels more like speed than E
• ‘Ecstasy’ tablets often contain very little or no MDMA. Often the pills contain other psychoactive drugs, including amphetamine and ketamine
• Taking half a tablet first will help to establish the strength. It may also help to identify whether the pill contains MDMA
• If you use MDMA when dancing it’s important to have breaks from dancing and to replace body fluids. Someone dancing in a hot sweaty club will usually need about 1 pint over the course of each hour. Salty snacks will replace essential minerals. If you are not sweating and dehydrating then drink less. MDMA will cause fluid retention, and excessive fluid intake could cause physical damage - in extreme cases, brain damage
• If you suffer from heart problems or high blood pressure avoid using E
• Do not mix with other drugs, especially alcohol which also causes dehydration
• Remember to practice safer sex. MDMA can affect libido, and might increase or decrease sexual interest. MDMA tends to inhibit orgasm.

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Classification

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, Ecstasy is a Class A Schedule 1 drug.

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