Ecstasy

Page contents

• Other Names
• How's it taken?
• Effects
• Legal Status

Related links

• Government drugs website

Summary

• This stimulant drug with mild hallucinogenic properties usually comes in tablet forms, which can be different shapes, sizes and colours but it is impossible to know by sight whether a tablet contains ecstasy.
• Ecstasy contains a chemical called MDMA, although tablets sold as ecstasy can contain other chemicals such as MDEA, MDA or MBD

Other names include

• E, doves, fantasy, disco biscuits, hug drug, burgers, mitsubishis, dolphins,

How is it taken?

• The tablets are swallowed

Effects

• People can feel alert and in tune with their surrounding and other people too
• sound, colour and emotions may be heightened and things feels more intense.
• Allows the user to exert energy for long periods of time (dancing for hours).
• As ecstasy starts working (known as 'coming up') people may feel a tightening of the jaw, sickness, sweating and an increase in heart rate the 'come down' can leave people tired and depressed.
• There is a risk of over heating and dehydration if the user exerts lots of energy without taking a break or drinking fluids. It is recommended to sip about a pint of non-alcoholic fruit juice, sports drink or water every hour.
• Ecstasy has been linked to liver and kidney problems
• there have a number of deaths related to ecstasy use in the United Kingdom.
• Some experts are concerned that the use of ecstasy might lead to brain damage in later life, although these studies are at an early stage at the moment.
• Use is known to cause long-term depression in some people (onset unpredictable and not dose-related)
• many tablets are sold as ecstasy which may contain other drugs so the user may never know what they are taking.

Legal status

• Ecstasy is a class A drug
• Possession - 7 years prison and/or a fine
• Possession with intent to supply, or supply - life imprisonment and/or a fine