Slang names
E, X, XTC, Beans, Adams, Molly, Candy, M.
Short
Ecstasy contains the active ingredient MDMA; ecstasy is essentially MDMA in pill form. The drug is also sold as powder or crystals (MDMA). In the Netherlands, ecstasy has been mostly used recreationally since the 1980s. It has been the most popular party drug for many years. Problems are more often caused by an excessive dose per pill than by contamination (e.g., with components such as PMMA, PMA or mCPP).
Delivery methods
Swallowing (pill/bomb), snorting, booty bumping, slamming (MDMA).
Physical effects
Dependent on dosage, frequency and duration of use.
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Increased blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, endurance, energy, alertness, and bodily sensations and sensitivity,
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Dilated pupils.
Psychological and sexual effects
Dependent on dosage, frequency, duration and context of use.
- Psychological: Increased euphoria, sociability, self-acceptance, mental clarity, and feelings of infatuation, intimacy, empathy, and security.
- Sexual:
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Increased sexual desire and arousal,
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Intensification and prolongation of orgasm.
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Acute risks
Dependent on dosage, frequency, duration and context of use.
- Physical: Teeth grinding, jaw tension, erectile dysfunction, nausea, vomiting, temporary paralysis, loss of consciousness, cognitive impairments, insomnia, seizures (rare), cardiac arrest (rare).
- Psychological: Restlessness, confusion, anxiety and panic attacks, psychoses, difficulty concentrating, irritability, depression, hallucinations, memory problems.
Short- and long-term risks
Dependent on duration and intensity of use.
Dental damage, liver damage, depression, psychosis, impairment of short-term and visual memory.
Tips for use:
- Have your ecstasy/MDMA tested freely and anonymously at a testing service near you. Testing will reveal how strong your pill is.
- Make sure you are physically and mentally healthy.
- Get plenty of rest before and after using ecstasy/MDMA.
- Eat healthy and balanced meals before and after using. Be sure to include antioxidants such as vitamin C through fruits and vegetables.
- If you don’t feel hungry, have a shake, yoghurt drink or fruit juice. The nutrients help reduce the hangover.
- Avoid using ecstasy/MDMA if you have diabetes, a weak heart, high blood pressure, epilepsy or mental illness or are taking medication (MAOIs and asthma medications).
- Use no more than once every six to eight weeks.
- Drink no more than one glass of water or soft drink per hour; any more will increase the risk of water intoxication.
- Give your body a chance to cool down while using ecstasy/MDMA.
- Rest regularly, and do not wear warm clothing or headwear.
- Avoid combining ecstasy with alcohol.
- Do not participate in traffic.
- Do not use during pregnancy. Ecstasy/MDMA is harmful to your unborn child.