Q: What is Ecstasy and where did it come from?

Ecstasy (x-sta-see) was the name given to methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) by a Los Angeles manufacturer of the drug in order to market it. MDMA’s chemical structure is related to stimulants and some hallucinogens.

MDMA was originally developed as an appetite suppressor in 1914 by a German chemical company, although it was never actually used for this purpose. It was used occasionally in America in the mid-1970s in therapy classes to enhance communication.

Ecstasy only became available in Australia in the mid-1980s and was made illegal in 1987.

In Australia, street ecstasy doesn’t always contain just MDMA. It is often mixed with a variety of different drugs including MDEA, PMA, MDA, ephedrine and LSD. ‘Smacky-e’, ‘trippy-e’ and ‘coke-e’ are allegedly mixes of MDMA and heroin, LSD and cocaine.

Sometimes drugs containing no MDMA at all are sold as ecstasy. This makes it difficult for users to know what they are actually taking.

Appearance

Ecstasy is usually sold as small tablets or capsules. Yellow or white tablets are the most common but many other colours and designs such as pink, purple, blue, speckled and striped have been available.

Some tablets also have embossed shapes on them, such as hearts, doves, robins, rabbits and champagne bottles.

Q: How is Ecstasy used?

Ecstasy is usually swallowed. When swallowed, the effects start within approximately 30 to 90 minutes. Usually the effects last for six to eight hours but sometimes they may last for up to 24 hours.

Q: What are the health effects of using Ecstasy?

The effects of ecstasy will vary from person to person depending on characteristics of the:

• Individual (user) - for example: Mood, physical size, gender, health, weight, personality, expectations of the drug, and previous experience with ecstasy;

• Drug - for example: The amount used, the amount of ecstasy and other substances in the tablet, and whether it is injected or swallowed;

• Setting (environment) - for example: Whether the person is at home or at a dance party, with friends or on his/her own.

Some of the immediate effects of ecstasy may include:

• Feeling of wellbeing;
• Increased confidence;
• Anxiety;
• Nausea;
• Sweating;
• Hot and cold flushes;
• Jaw clenching;
• Teeth grinding;
• Increased pulse rate;
• Increased blood pressure;
• High body temperature;
• Dry mouth;
• Insomnia;
• Poor concentration;
• Sensations of floating;
• Paranoid feelings - fear of persecution.

Higher doses can produce:

• Irrational behaviour;
• Agitation;
• Convulsions (‘fits’);
• Dehydration;
• Urinary retention;
• Rhabdomolysis (muscle melt-down);
• Vomiting;
• Hallucinations;
• Excessive thirst.

Ecstasy affects the production of seratonin, a mechanism which regulates the body’s temperature. It appears to cause a loss of control of normal body temperature.

When the effects of ecstasy are combined with physical activity such as dancing, the user is likely to overheat and dehydrate. In order to combat dehydration and to rehydrate the body, people need adequate amounts of water. However, ecstasy is also thought to disturb the brain’s ability to determine when a person has had enough to drink. Excessive water intake can result in a breakdown of cell structure which causes cells to swell up, burst and die. Many vital organs such as the liver, heart, lungs and brain are particularly susceptible to this breakdown in cell structure. When the brain is affected, respiration, heart rate and blood pressure are affected and this can lead to death.

Ecstasy users at dance parties should regularly sip or drink water to replace lost fluids. In order to avoid drinking too much water, users should not drink more than 600 ML each hour. The drug may cloud the judgement and perception of the user, so it may be wise to alert others who are not using to monitor the person.

Ecstasy may also have a ‘hangover’ effect. This usually happens the day after it is taken. Symptoms may include:

• Depression;
• Drowsiness;
• Muscle aches;
• Loss of appetite;
• Insomnia;
• Loss of concentration.

Ecstasy and other drugs

Ecstasy users sometimes take other drugs such as minor tranquilizers and alcohol to cope with some of the undesirable effects of ecstasy. Using more than one drug (poly-drug use) increases the risks of complications and serious side-effects. It can lead to a variety of serious physical and psychological problems.

Q: Is Ecstasy addictive?

Tolerance means that a person needs more of a drug in order to achieve the same effects they felt previously with smaller amounts.

Dependence means that the drug becomes central to a person’s life. Some research suggests users quickly build up tolerance to ecstasy. When this happens, users often use greater amounts and may also seek out other drugs.

[See also Cycle of Addiction]

Q: How much does Ecstasy cost?

Ecstasy can cost between $40 and $70 per tablet. It is an expensive drug. For example, the money spent on one ecstasy tablet could purchase a concert ticket.

All drugs can be expensive to buy. The street price of illicit drugs, such as ecstasy, changes depending on the availability and market trends.

Q: How does using Ecstasy affect a person’s relationships with family and friends?

Any drug-use can lead to social and emotional problems and affect a person’s relationships with family and friends. When a person is under the influence of the drugs, changes can occur in their behaviour depending on how they feel, e.g. euphoric, sick, energetic, which could lead to problems with friends or family members.

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Q: How can I help take care of someone using Ecstasy?

If you use ecstasy or know someone who is using it, remember the following:

• It is safer not to use ecstasy at all.

• Because using ecstasy can have harmful effects, users can be in dangerous situations. Therefore, they should not be left alone. If the situation becomes unsafe call for help immediately.

• If you are dancing, keep cool. Watch your body temperature by taking regular rests and keep cool by wearing light, absorbent clothing. Beware of hats as they trap body heat. Your body should not get hotter than 38.5° C. Drink water but regulate intake so that you do not drink too much.

• Watch for other signs that may show something is wrong, such as confusion, a pulse greater than 120 beats per minute, nausea, excessive fluid consumption, severe headache or convulsions. If someone does react badly, call for an ambulance or seek medical help immediately. Don’t delay, you could save a life. The ambulance officers are there to help you. Be sure to describe what drug the person has taken. If the user is unconscious and you know first aid, place them in the coma position and ensure the airway is clear.

• Rest the next day, eat a substantial meal and drink plenty of water and/or juice.

• Do not inject. If however, you do inject, don’t share syringes and injecting equipment - (needle, syringe, swab, tourniquet, spoon, glass, filter and sterile water).

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