Ecstasy is the common name for a synthetic drug that has stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. Taken in pill form, it is commonly used at large, all-night dance parties known as raves. The drug produces feelings of relaxation, decreased anxiety, and heightened senses. Ecstasy also causes muscle tension, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and sweating. These symptoms, when combined with the vigorous physical activity of dancing, can lead to severe dehydration, heart or kidney failure, and even death. Ecstasy is also known as “Molly” or MDMA, for its chemical name, 3-4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine.
Short-term use of Ecstasy may cause confusion, depression, sleep problems, anxiety, and paranoia. These symptoms can last for weeks after taking the drug. Scientists have found that Ecstasy damages neurons in the brain that produce serotonin, one of the brain’s most important messenger chemicals. Serotonin helps regulate mood, aggression, sleep, and sexual activity. Long-term use of Ecstasy can cause damage to the brain in areas that control thought, memory, and learning.
The production, possession, distribution, and sale of Ecstasy is prohibited in the United States and most other countries. The drug is often produced in illegal, makeshift laboratories and can contain impurities, including dangerous chemicals.
In 2017 the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted special approval for research, including clinical trials, on MDMA as a potential treatment for certain psychological conditions. These conditions include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can often persist for many years among sufferers. The FDA approval came after research studies provided evidence indicating that MDMA may be superior to current medical therapies for PTSD.
See also Drug misuse; Hallucinogenic drug; Serotonin.
