The strongest phase tends to happen 15–30 minutes after that onset, leading to a noticeable peak of euphoria. At Virtue Recovery, we offer inpatient and outpatient treatment options. Although predictable, Ecstasy withdrawal symptoms must not be underestimated. Psychological symptoms can easily lead to the development of serious mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, and poor sleep can affect physical health. Ecstasy, when paired with vigorous physical exercise in warm conditions, results in rhabdomyolysis (a severe breakdown of muscles). Toxins released by this muscle breakdown damage the kidneys and cause acute renal failure.
Characteristics and prevalence of dependence
MDMA can disrupt the body’s ability to regulate temperature — leading to hyperthermia, which can cause organ failure, seizures, or even death in severe cases. That’s why harm reduction tools like drug checking kits and education are essential. One example is the MDMA QTest — a rapid, research-based test kit that allows users to assess MDMA content before use. Some tablets contain dangerously high doses, while others contain little or no MDMA at all, increasing the risk of overdose or misidentification. While MDMA drug effects are often described as positive or therapeutic, the substance is not without risks — especially outside clinical settings. Whether it’s used recreationally or medically, understanding the short- and long-term effects of MDMA is key to reducing harm and improving outcomes.
The Science of MDMA: History, Effects and Medical use
Because ecstasy is produced illegally and sold on unregulated markets, it is impossible to know the exact contents. An MDMA pill, powder packet, or liquid capsule may be cut with other drugs to enhance its effects, or to easily bulk up the substance and increase drug dealer profits. Also, there is evidence that people who develop a rash that looks like acne after using this drug may be at risk of severe side effects, including liver damage, if they continue to use the drug. MDMA stimulates the release of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, from brain neurons producing a high that lasts from 3 to 6 hours, but the length of a high is variable based on the user. The drug’s rewarding effects vary with the individual taking it, the dose taken, purity of the MDMA, and the environment in which it is taken. Users may take several tablets at once or in succession over a period of time.
But these pills are usually illegally manufactured and can include other harmful drugs such as meth, caffeine, ketamine, cocaine, or fentanyl. Polydrug use is a term for the use of more than one drug or type of drug at the same time or one after another. Polydrug use can involve both illicit drugs and legal substances, such as alcohol and medications.
Comparison with other drugs
On the other hand, there is a large difference between “ecstasy” and heroin and other opioids. In contrast, many of the serious effects of the amphetamines are directly due to the action of the drug itself, as described earlier. Moreover, the dose relationships are less clear for “ecstasy” than for heroin, in that there is a smaller separation between the usual dose and the toxic dose range for “ecstasy.” Some of the case histories reviewed earlier involved major toxicity following the consumption of only 1 or 2 tablets.
Only trained and licensed medical professionals can provide such services. If you or anyone you know is undergoing a severe health crisis, call a doctor or 911 immediately. Yes, MDMA use leads to bruising or hematoma due to its potential effects on blood clotting and physical overexertion. MDMA was explored as a therapeutic drug in the 1970s as some psychotherapists believed it opened people up and enhanced their potential for empathy and understanding of one another. This use was interrupted by ecstasy being classified as a Schedule I drug in 1985.
Residual physical problems
When you begin to feel the effects of ecstasy like changes to the way you see the world around you, a familiar environment can provide you with a sense of security to know where you are. This will stop you from getting dehydrated and possibly fainting or feeling lightheaded. You may worry about getting in trouble with the police for using ecstasy. In some places, the police do not arrest bystanders or those who overdose; in other areas, they might. When you take ecstasy, the drug affects a variety of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Taking ecstasy leads to feelings of euphoria, happiness, and well-being in which you feel drawn to or connected to other people as if you love them.
A low dose (50–75 mg) produces mild euphoria, increased sociability, and slight sensory enhancement. Stimulant effects are present but manageable, with mild physiological changes such as increased heart rate and body temperature. The primary outcome measure was change in MDD symptom severity, as measured by mean change in MADRS scores from baseline to outcome visit ∼8 weeks after the second MDMA session (∼12 weeks post baseline).
- If you or a loved one struggles with MDMA, ecstasy, or other substance problems, Midwest Recovery Centers offers in-depth treatment programs.
- Recreational use of ecstasy can cause a permanent alteration of brain chemistry that will affect your mood, memory, and sleep.
- The ability of MDMA to increase the concentration of serotonin in the synapse probably underlies its production of improved mood and of sensory alterations.
- Always start by taking a half or a quarter of a pill first – you may find that is enough.
- Polydrug use is a term for the use of more than one drug or type of drug at the same time or one after another.
The drug also inhibits serotonin reuptake, prolonging its activity and contributing to heightened emotional connectivity. Another risk is hyponatremia, a dangerously low blood sodium concentration from excessive water intake without electrolyte replenishment. Serotonin syndrome, a potentially fatal condition, can also arise from excessive serotonin activity, particularly when MDMA is combined with other serotonergic drugs. Symptoms include agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and muscle rigidity. There is a small amount of experimental evidence that the net release of acetylcholine may also be increased by MDMA,33 but the importance of this effect in humans is unknown.
- But in uncontrolled environments, MDMA drug effects can be unpredictable — especially with unknown dosages or adulterants.
- You may feel a need to touch and be touched, and you’ll experience sexual arousal and a heightening of your senses.
- Its most dangerous consequence is hyperthermia — a sudden and severe rise in body temperature.
- Recovery is variable, with serotonin transporter function taking weeks to months to return to baseline, depending on frequency and intensity of use.
- It is worth noting that people who abuse MDMA can experience hyperthermia (very high body temperature) and dehydration, leading to kidney and heart failure.
Payment of benefits are subject to all terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the member’s contract at time of service. Your health insurance company will only pay for services that it determines to be “reasonable and necessary.” The treatment center will make every effort mdma ecstasy effects of mdma to have all services preauthorized by your health insurance company. If your health insurance company determines that a particular service is not reasonable and necessary, or that a particular service is not covered under your plan, your insurer will deny payment for that service and it will become your responsibility. Addiction Resource does not offer medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice.
Behavioral therapy teaches you skills to better manage the situations that trigger your need to use ecstasy. The effects of ecstasy typically last about four to six hours, though they can continue for weeks. Popular with young people since the 1980s, raves are parties often held in locations such as warehouses, nightclubs, and fields. Lasting all night, these events feature dancing to techno (a type of electronic music) amidst laser light shows and often involve illicit drug use, especially ecstasy. Examining MDMA’s movement through the body, its impact on neurochemical systems, and individual differences such as metabolism and body weight clarifies its effects.
If it has pure MDMA, it can cause feelings of increased energy, warmth, happiness, and increased sensory perception. But bad news if the pill has toxic chemicals in it, in which case it can cause serious health problems like a fast heartbeat, confusion, panic, seizures, hallucinations, overheating, or death. Research suggests prolonged MDMA exposure may affect emotional regulation, cognition, sleep, and interpersonal relationships, raising concerns about its impact beyond immediate experiences. From a pharmacological perspective, MDMA is often placed in a unique class of empathogens or entactogens — substances that enhance emotional perception and bonding. Its stimulant and psychedelic properties make it distinct from classic stimulants like amphetamine or hallucinogens like LSD.
Because of its effects on the body and brain, MDMA is prohibited in many countries, and using it carries serious side effects on one’s physical and mental health. Ongoing clinical trials also suggest that ecstasy may help treat chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Results of a Phase 3 trial found that 88% of participants who received MDMA-assisted therapy experienced a meaningful reduction in PTSD symptoms, with 67% no longer qualifying for a PTSD diagnosis after treatment. This classification means that the substance has a high potential for abuse and is not approved by law to treat medical conditions. However, there has been renewed interest in the medical use of MDMA alongside psychotherapy to treat conditions such as anxiety disorders—specifically social anxiety disorder (SAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
