Ecstasy (MDMA)
Classification
Hallucinogen (with stimulant
effects)

Names ecstasy, E, XTC, Adam, Euphoria, X, MDM and Love Doves
Origins and ingredients
- This
substance usually comes in gelatin capsules or tablets.
- Pills can be
any colour and may have a design on one side such as a
dove or a diamond.
- It can also
come as a powder, which is snorted or, less commonly,
dissolved and injected.
- As with all
illegal drugs, it is impossible to know exactly what
chemicals might be found in a pill that is supposed to be
ecstasy; the actual amount of ecstasy in a tablet can
vary greatly.
- Effects of
taking a moderate dose start after 20–60 minutes
(longer if on a full stomach) and can last for 3 to 6
hours.
- “Herbal ecstacy” (spelled wrong on purpose to set it apart from MDMA) has been marketed as a natural and legal alternative to ecstasy. It is a blend of herbs and compounds that usually include ephedra and caffeine. Users often think that “natural” products imply “safe” products. However, these products can be quite harmful. Health Canada has warned that products containing ephedra/ephedrine have led to serious health problems (such as stroke, heart attacks, heart rate irregularities, seizures, and psychoses) and death.
Immediate and short-term effects
-
- At first the
pupils become enlarged, the jaw tightens, and there is
often a short period of nausea, sweating, and dry mouth
and throat.
- Blood
pressure and heart rate increase, and loss of appetite is
common.
- Many users
experience a rushing feeling at first followed by an odd
combination of energy and calm.
- Loss of
anger, the ability to understand and feel for other
people, and an increased sense of being able to
communicate are commonly reported.
- Some users
also report an increased sense of their surroundings,
greater appreciation of music, and more intense sexual
and sensual experience.
- Some users
have bad experiences, including depression, sleep
problems, intense fear and worrying, confusion, and
unpleasant distortion of the senses. These experiences
may, in some way or other, last for days or even weeks.
This is more likely if users take high doses or are
already feeling anxious or unstable.
- Disorienting
effects may make accidents more likely. Deaths that have
been linked to ecstasy have mainly been connected with
non-stop dancing in hot, crowded clubs, which resulted in
hyperthermia (overheating) and severe dehydration. This
is because ecstasy can interfere with the body’s
ability to regulate its temperature.
- After taking
ecstasy, users may feel very tired and need a long period
of sleep to recover.
- Regular use
may lead to sleep problems, lack of energy, dietary
problems (including anorexia nervosa), and feeling
depressed or anxious.
- Increased vulnerability to colds, flu, and sore throat may follow.
Effects and harms from long-term use
- Although
little is known about the long-term effects of regular
use, there are definite concerns around learning,
behavioural, and emotional changes.
- Depression,
mood changes, and disrupted sleep patterns can occur in
the week after use.
- Users may
experience flashbacks or psychosis.
- Problems with
short-term memory can occur (it is not clear if these
changes are permanent or not).
- Severe liver
damage can occur shortly after taking ecstasy, usually
because of hyperthermia (overheating).
- Liver damage, apparently unrelated to hyperthermia, can also occur days or weeks after even a few times using ecstasy.
MDMA and dependence
- People who
use ecstasy regularly for several weeks or months need
larger amounts to feel the same effects.
- There is
little information on whether regular ecstasy users
experience dependence or withdrawal symptoms if they
quit.
- Psychological dependence on the feelings of euphoria and calmness and the lifestyle around ecstasy use is not uncommon.
MDMA and the law
- As a
hallucinogen, ecstasy is governed by Schedule III of the
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Conviction for
possession of these drugs can result in a fine of up to
$1,000 or going to prison for up to six months, or both.
- Further (repeat) offences or possession of larger amounts can result in larger penalties (e.g., trafficking and related activities can result in imprisonment for up to 10 years).
Use of MDMA in Nova Scotia
- There is no
information available on ecstasy use in the general
population.
- Nova Scotia
students were asked about ecstasy use for the first time
in 2001. At that time 4.4 percent reported that they had
used the drug in the past year.
- In 2007, about 7
percent of students in grades 7-12 in Nova Scotia
reported having used MDMA (ecstasy) in the past
year.
- As with other
substances, the higher the grade, the larger the
percentage of students using the drug: 0.8 percent of
grade 7s, 6.7 percent of grade 9s, 8.6 percent of grade
10s, and 11.3 percent of grade 12s.
- The percentage of males and females reporting using MDMA is about the same.