Ecstasy is a semi synthetic compound called Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Sometime just referred to as E or X, it was synthesised by a German drug company some time before1912. It was stumbled upon whilst trying to find a new medication to stop bleeding. It was rediscovered by the US Military in the 1950's and tested along with many other psychotropic drugs for use as 'brainwashing' weapons. It later found use as an aid for psychotherapy in the 1970's &1980's in the USA. It was made illegal in 1986 there after it became a recreational drug. It spawned the popular rave culture of the late 1980's in the UK and elsewhere (via Ibiza), and thereafter found it's way to the rest of the world serving as a catalyst for a global dance culture.

It usually comes in the form of small pressed pills, though also available as loose powder and sometimes in capsules. Tablets are taken orally and one pill normally contains an active dose, though if you are not used to it: first try a half a tablet. It's effectiveness is related to body mass, so a small framed person should be very careful about dosage, particularly small girls who seem especially vulnerable (once again 1/2 try a pill first). Many brands/labels of pills come and go: Doves, X-Men, Mitsubishis, etc. These brands mean little since quality can, and generally does, vary considerably between batches. Popular brand names are rapidly counterfeited. Sometimes substitutes or adulterants are used, and these can be very dangerous although these can be screened by an easy to use home testing kit.

The effects of MDMA usually begin 30-60 minutes after dropping, depending on how full your stomach is. Physical effects include raised blood pressure (so anyone with high blood pressure or a heart condition should not take it), with a noticeable rise in body temperature, faster heartbeat, skin tingles, sudden sweating and dilated pupils. Some people may also experience unsteadiness, nausea and possibly vomiting, though these unpleasant effects usually pass quickly.

MDMA is a mood changing drug that can alters your perceptions of the world. The effects vary according to whom you are with, where you are and how you are feeling before (Site & Setting). It can make you feel profoundly relaxed as well as energetic, happy, calm, exhilarated, warm and loving and sensitive to other people's vibes. Ecstasy can also open up your emotions: this can be positive but sometimes can cause panic and anxiety as a result, so be sure to have friends around. If the rush is too intense find a quiet spot to sit down with a friend. Try to relax and not to panic.

The peak effects can last 2 to 4 hours, which is followed by a smooth, not unpleasant come down feeling lasting several more hours. After effects may include tiredness or feeling spaced out for up to 24 hours. This is also an effect of staying awake all night - sleep deprivation - so chill out afterwards. Let the after effects wear off naturally - the only thing you need to come down with is good company. Secondary effects (afterglow or exhaustion) may be felt for a few days afterwards. The effects can also vary according to what you take. There is a whole range of drugs sold as ecstasy, such as MDEA, MDA or MBDB.

Your brain and body take strain after regular use, so don't overdo it. Although it is not physically addictive, the temptation to do it often should be resisted, since it depletes a neurotransmitter chemical in your brain called serotonin. If you don't give your body time to recover, the lack of serotonin may make you feel lethargic, depressed and moody. Your body will produce more to replace the serotonin used, but it may take some time to get it back to the right levels.

Because Ecstasy is illegal, there is no quality control, so you cannot be sure of what you are taking. Tablets may include impurities, sometimes harmless powders but can include other drugs such as speed. Rumours abound about E containing Heroin. Many pills have been tested, and with very few exceptions, no trace of heroin has been found. It doesn't make any sense to use expensive heroin when other bulking agents like caffeine could be used.

Long term effects: More is becoming known about the long term effects of regular use. Recent research has shown that users are permanently altering their brains (decreased global and regional brain 5-HT transporter bindings to be exact). It is not yet known how this 'damage' manifests itself but this could be permanent (or at least long lasting) and this may affect you psychologically and in other ways. Other research has shown that use adversely effects memory as well: there has been " findings of memory decrements in recreational MDMA users, possibly caused by serotonergic neurotoxicity." This neurotoxicity is a serious concern but some believe it is dose-related, that is heavy users are more likely to face these and other long- term mental health risks. See Latest Research for more details

Staying Safe: It is thought by many to be a safe drug if used in moderation, as long as you keep track of what your body is telling you. The euphoria that it makes you feel can make it easy to ignore bodily distress signals, so be careful about dehydration, muscle cramping, dizziness, exhaustion or overexertion. Reports from the past tell of dosed ravers dancing themselves into severe dehydration and heat exhaustion that required hospitalisation and in a few cases resulted in death. When dancing for long periods of time, sip about half a litre of water every hour. It is also good to replace lost sugars and salts. And keep cool.

• Not everything called a 'Pill' contains MDMA. Be sure to find out as much as possible before dropping! You might consider doing a roll-your-own test. Here is our FAQ on E Testing.
  
  
• Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol because it dehydrates you, and on top of E this can be dangerous.
  
  
• Make sure you feel well rested and fit in the first place. Ecstasy puts a lot of physical strain on your heart, liver and kidneys. Make sure you rest often and use the chill out area to do just that.
  
  
• If you suffer from diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, depression or psychosis, the dangers associated with the use of MDMA increase.
  
  
• There have been reports of just one dosage of MDMA being fatal for a first timer, and we musn't ignore that. There could be a lot of reasons for this, one is that certain people (about 5-9% of the population) don't have a certain liver enzyme (CYP2D6) that breaks down the MDMA. Thus these people are at an increased toxic risk when taking MDMA. See here for a MAPS paper on "MDMA: Does It Play A Casual Role In Nephropathy?"
  
  
• Deaths have been reported of some MDMA users who were also taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI's), which are often prescribed as antidepressants. Therefore MDMA is not recommended to anyone taking any MAOI. For those taking other anti-depressants, this is worth reading.
  
  
• Overheating is one of the main dangers of taking Ecstasy; sweating is essential to avoid overheating and water is essential in order to sweat. Neurotoxicity has also been linked to high body temperatures.
  
  
• However, drinking too much water can be harmful, even fatal. If you drink more than you can get rid of by sweating or urinating, it gets into your blood and swells your brain. You can go into a coma ... or even worse. See here for more info.

Remember, the less you take the fewer problems you should have.

Disclaimer This Guide is provided for informational purposes ONLY. RaveSafe, it's volunteers and its sponsors do not condone or advocate the use of illegal substances. RaveSafe accepts NO responsibility for the way the information in this used, nor for any harm that might occur from the use of the information contained in this document. Although a concerted effort has been made to ensure the validity of the information contained in this document, no guarantees or assurances of accuracy are provided by anyone. Read and act at your own risk.