EcstacyJoin now to read essay EcstacyEcstasy is one of the street names for MDMA (the chemical name is N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine). MDMA is an amphetaminelike drug with hallucinogenic properties. People taking the drug get a sense of increased energy, euphoria and a curious feeling of empathy. While we know something about the short-term effects of ecstasy use, we do not have a very good understanding of the long-term effects. The short-term effects of the drug are related to the amount taken. If the dose used is relatively high, there is a danger in the short-term of seizures and heart-rhythm abnormalities. Ecstasy also can cause an increase in body temperature (called hyperthermia). This can cause difficulties if the drug is taken during strenuous exercise (such as dancing). The common practice of drinking large amounts of bottled water can lead to a reduced amount of sodium in the blood. This is called hyponatremia and, if severe, can cause neurological problems. There have been a number of deaths reported in people taking the drug.
The long-term effects of ecstasy are less clear. Ecstasy alters the parts of the brain that are governed by a neurotransmitter called serotonin. Serotonin is a very important “messenger” in the brain and is involved in learning, emotion and memory. The results of studies done in animals given multiple doses of ecstasy show damage to specific parts of the brain related to memory, learning and emotion. We dont really have a good understanding of the long-term effects in people because much of the “ecstasy” sold isnt really ecstasy. So when side effects are seen in users, we dont know if it is from ecstasy or another drug. The studies in animals, however, suggest that long-term use has the potential for causing learning and memory problems and psychiatric illnesses later in life. Ecstasy also appears to have an effect on the immune system.
Sugar, which may have a negative effect on the pancreas, also occurs in ecstasy. Researchers have shown that the brain is actually a much more sensitive area of the body that is affected by ecstasy.
“Drugs of abuse such as ibuprofen, tramadol, amphetamines and phenytoin-5-butyl-6-vinylsulfonic acid are known to affect the nervous system and can cause adverse effects, such as dizziness, agitation and depression.”
The study states that
“[The] findings of previous research support the hypothesis that a number of specific chemicals are responsible for the increase in serotonin released during recreational ecstasy use. One study found that the serotonin levels were actually up to 30% lower in non-users of ecstasy if they were given the placebo. Another study also found that the more frequent use of ecstasy had a positive correlation with an increased risk of a number of psychiatric illness conditions including psychosis, bipolar disorder and Alzheimer’s disease.[17,18]
Although the studies involved the same people, there are many different types of ecstasy use. The exact composition of the ecstasy compound is unknown, and a variety of other variables are not included. It should also be noted that the amount of ecstasy administered may take several hours to produce. Many of the compounds (drugs of abuse) are often added several times, with each adding a different effect at different intervals. The number of studies over the past decade has been growing exponentially. Although the number of substances taking up to 2 doses may have changed from the one that took more, what the data suggests is that we need to be extra careful with what we ingest. If our brains are not being used properly, people have their brains damaged and it will take a while to heal. The increased levels of serotonin in the body do not mean that drugs have been abused and will make your life worse. There is no proven mechanism of their use, nor will they make you worse. Ecstasy has similar side effects, like short-acting drugs or alcohol, which could make your life much harder. Please share this scientific article about MDMA with friends!”
The study was performed by the University of Chicago at Chicago and the University of Hawaii in Honolulu, Hawaii.
[1] A 2013 study in the journal Toxicology found that the brain levels of cocaine and heroin were markedly higher in females than in males.
[2] “When the human metabolism rate can be used to help evaluate alcohol use, then it has already been shown to produce significantly lower levels of neurotoxic drugs than with cocaine. [21,22] A 2009 study demonstrated that the metabolite MDMA levels were higher in males than females and that this difference was due to MDMA’s increased potency. It was hypothesized that in men MDMA may contribute to neurotoxicity in females.”
[3] A 2012 investigation by the Center for Addiction Medicine found that ecstasy has been associated with decreased levels of brain serotonin and norepinephrine.
[4] “There is evidence from clinical trials that ecstasy can lead to depression. Several studies show that ecstasy can also have adverse effects upon the mental functioning induced by drug abuse, such as depression, anxiety, and anxiety-like behavior. [23][20] Psychosis can occur when the person has tried many different substances that caused them to perform a psychotic state
No drug is free of unwanted side effects. No drug is completely safe. This is true of ecstasy, alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, over-the-counter and prescription drugs. We have learned a great deal about the long-term effects of cigarettes and alcohol by doing animal experiments and looking to see what happens to people taking the drugs over a long period. We will learn more about the ecstasy and its long-term effects from the experiences of the users.
What is ecstasy?MDMA or ecstasy is a Schedule I synthetic, psychoactive drug possessing stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. MDMA possesses chemical variations of the stimulant amphetamine or methamphetamine and a hallucinogen, most often mescaline.
Short-term effects of ecstasy abuse~nausea~hallucinations~chills & sweating~increased body temp~tremors~muscle cramping~blurred visionWhile it is not as addictive as heroin or cocaine, MDMA can cause other adverse effects including nausea, hallucinations, chills, sweating, increases in body temperature, tremors, involuntary teeth clenching, muscle cramping, and blurred vision. MDMA users also report after-effects of anxiety, paranoia, and depression
An MDMA overdose is characterized by high blood pressure, faintness, panic attacks, and, in more severe cases, loss of consciousness, seizures, and a drastic rise in body temperature. MDMA overdoses can be fatal, as they may result in heart failure or extreme heat stroke.
The effects start after about 20 minutes and can last for hours. There is a rush feeling followed by a feeling of calm and a sense of well being to those around, often with a heightened perception of colour and sound. Some people actually feel sick and experience a stiffening up of arms, legs and particularly the jaw along with sensations of thirst, sleeplessness, depression and paranoia. Gives a feeling of energy. Some mild hallucinogenic effects.
Many problems users encounter with Ecstasy are similar to those found with the use of amphetamines and cocaine. They include increases in heart rate and blood pressure, nausea, blurred vision, faintness, chills, sweating, and such psychological problems as confusion, depression, sleep problems, craving, severe anxiety, paranoia, and psychotic episodes. Ecstasys chemical cousin,