Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or 'Ecstasy') drug profile
Family: Phenethylamines
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine) has become widely known as “ec- stasy” (shortened to “E,” “X,” or “XTC”), usually referring to its street pill form, although this term may also include the presence of possible adulterants. It became widely popular in the electronic music/rave scene beginning in the 1980s, though had been used recreationally since the 1970s.
MDMA is known to induce euphoria, a sense of intimacy, and diminished anxiety. Many studies have suggested that MDMA has therapeutic benefits and facilitates therapy sessions in certain individuals, a practice for which it had formally been used in the past. Clinical trials (by MAPS) are now testing its therapeutic potential for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety associated with terminal cancer. So far they show promising results.
Contemporary use outside of clinical trials is usually recreational or aimed at exploring intimacy, sensuality, love, and compassion. Typical routes of administration are oral or intranasal.
Signs:
| Low Dose | Medium Dose | High Dose |
| dilated pupils, big smiles | very dilated pupils, sweat- ing, slight hyperthermia, in- ceased heart rate, cuddling, physical activity, very re- laxed body language | coordination and articula- tion problems, increased hy- perthermia |
Symptoms:
| Low Dose | Medium Dose | High Dose |
| altered thought process, colors, mild euphoria, in- creased compassion and empathy, openness | fractal or cartoonish closed eye visuals, overflowing love and understanding, feeling of serenity, lack of physical exhaustion |
