Ecstasy - XTC
(C11H15NO2)
(methylenedioxy-n-methylamphetamine), (MDMA).
MDMA is commonly known as ("ecstasy" "X" or "e") It is usually sold as small white or yellow tablets (can also come in many other colours,) which are swallowed. There have also been reports of people injecting themselves with MDMA. As with other illegally bought drugs, people who buy MDMA are often buying the drug mixed with other substances. Also they may not be buying MDMA at all - aspirin and other more lethal substances have been sold as ("ecstasy") According to studies most pills sold today (up to 70%) do not contain MDMA.
MDMA raises the concentration of certain substances in the brain. Two important substances are:
Taking MDMA increases the concentration of these substances in the brain. This can make a person feel good but it can also affect their ability to recognise certain signals, like the need to drink, cool down or rest.
MDMA like other drugs, is broken down in the liver. How well the liver does this can affect the concentration of MDMA in the blood and brain. A high concentration of MDMA in the blood increases the risk of harmful side effects. The ability to break down MDMA may be influenced by other drugs such as alcohol and a number of prescribed drugs which can interfere with this process.
Mixing MDMA with other drugs can alter the effects and may in some cases be fatal. It is dangerous to take ecstasy when using other drugs, including prescribed medication. For example, taking ecstasy in combination with anti depressants can be hazardous.
A broad range of people may use it, from teenage school students right through to professional people in their 40s like doctors, lawyers and academics. Although it is true that MDMA is often used in a dance context, such as raves, dance parties and nightclubs, it is also used in many other situations. Some to experience its hallucinogenic effects or used at home, at a friends place, while having sex etc, or for a variety of other reasons.
In a national survey, five per cent of Australians said they had taken MDMA at some time in their lives, and three per cent said they had used it within the last 12 months.(this survey was taken in 1995. More recent surveys indicate higher)
You should NOT use ecstasy, if you have a family history of heart problems, manic-depression, schizophrenia, kidney disease, Parkinsons or Tourettes syndrome. OR if you take anti-depressants or on Heart pressure medication.
MDMA was developed in 1912 by a German chemical company as an appetite suppressant. It was rediscovered by chemist Alexander Shulgin in the 1970s, then used by therapists in the US to help people explore their feelings for each other. It has only become available in Australia since the mid-1980s. Use of the drug is now illegal in most countries.
Not all users will experience all of these effects described in this section. The effects of MDMA will vary from person to person. These effects can begin within an hour of taking MDMA. Most effects last for up to six hours, but some may persist for up to 36 hours:
- increased blood pressure
- increased pulse rate
- increased confidence
- feelings of closeness with other people
- sweating/ dehydration
- jaw clenching, grinding teeth
- strong feeling of well being
- nausea
- anxiety
- paranoid feelings
Water is not an antidote to Ecstasy. It only combats the effects of dehydration. It is recommended as only one of several measures to avoid overheating, such as chilling from dancing. When out dancing, people need to stop themselves from dehydrating by drinking about a half a litre of water an hour. It is better to sip this regularly than all in one go. People also need to eat or drink something to replace the sodium they lose through sweating. A salty snack, fruit juice or sports drink will be sufficient.
Acute MDMA poisoning (overdose) can occur.
MDMA poisoning results in very high blood pressure, fast heartbeat and a very high body temperature. Some people have severe reactions to MDMA and there have been reports of deaths related to the use of MDMA in the US, UK and in Australia. In most of these cases other drugs as well as MDMA were used. Most deaths occur from the circumstances in which MDMA is used such as over heating from dancing (heat stroke) drinking to much water to fast (water intoxication) and poly use or mixing drugs (overdose) or taking other substances mistaken for MDMA.
MDMA is regarded as a dangerous substance for people with medical conditions such as heart or breathing problems and for people with depression or any other psychological disorder.
Illegal use, possession or supply of MDMA carries heavy fines and/ or imprisonment. Penalties range from a $2000 fine and/ or two years imprisonment to a $500,000 fine and/or imprisonment for life.