MDMA
Substance
MDMA (3,4- methylenedioxymethamphetamine ) is a synthetic substituted amphetamine derivative, for which various colloquial names exist, such as Ecstasy, XTC, E, Molly, Beans, and Adam. [ 1] MDMA leads to an increased release of serotonin and norepinephrine . MDMA has an energizing, euphoric, emotionally opening, and prosocial effect, which is why it is also referred to as an entactogen or empathogen. Higher doses can also have hallucinogenic effects. MDMA is currently being researched as a possible treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. [2]
group
Entactogen / Empathogen
Forms of appearance
Pills / tablets (mostly with specific imprints, shapes and colours), capsules, in crystalline form or as powder.
Consumption patterns
MDMA is usually swallowed, less often snorted.
Be careful when mixing substances!
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2C-X
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cocaine
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Methamphetamine
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HIV medications (protease inhibitors, combination drugs), antidepressants including St. John's wort, tramadol and other opiates, lithium, dextromethorphan, all psychedelics (e.g. LSD, DMT, psilocybin, 2C substances (risk of serotonin syndrome))
Substance groups
dosage
Maximum 1.5 mg MDMA per kg body weight for men, maximum 1.3 mg MDMA per kg body weight for women. [3] At these doses, 80% of the available serotonin is released. [4] Low doses are below 60 mg, moderate doses are between 60 and 130 mg, and anything above that is considered a high dose. Extremely high doses above 200 mg are potentially life-threatening, especially for inexperienced users.
Effect
MDMA releases large amounts of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. Feelings of hunger and thirst are reduced, alertness, drive, and attention are increased, and body temperature and blood pressure rise. A pleasant feeling spreads throughout the body; one feels light and carefree. Sight and hearing are altered, touch and music are perceived more intensely, inhibitions are reduced, and the need for contact and empathy are increased – one feels connected to the other people present (hence the name "hug drug"). [1]
Onset of action
After approximately 30-120 minutes. Caution: some people only feel the effects after 90 minutes or more, therefore do not take more until 2 hours after ingestion to avoid overdoses.
Duration of effect
4 – 6 hours
Aftereffects
2 – 24 hours [2] However, post-acute effects such as mood swings, anxiety symptoms and lack of motivation can occur several days after taking MDMA (English: “Midweek Blues”).
Risks and side effects
Side effects include jaw clenching, muscle tremors, nausea/vomiting, increased blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, cardiac arrhythmias, headaches, and diarrhea. Psychologically, agitation and restlessness, physical excitement, anxiety, and panic attacks can occur. The heart, liver, and kidneys are particularly stressed. Body temperature rises sharply; there is a risk of heatstroke, cerebral edema, or multiple organ failure. Overdose can lead to muscle cramps and hallucinations. In rare cases, MDMA can trigger epileptic seizures, psychosis, kidney and liver failure, cerebral hemorrhages, and heart attacks! [1]
[1] https://checkit.wien/substanzen/ecstasy-3/
https://psychonautwiki.org/wiki/MDMA#Toxicity_and_harm_potential
Long-term risks
Frequent and intensive MDMA use can alter the serotonin system. With repeated high doses, the risk of impaired memory increases. The extent to which this can be recovered with prolonged abstinence is currently unclear. An increased risk of affective disorders and anxiety disorders is suspected as a result of chronic MDMA use. Occasionally, even after a single MDMA experience, users report that "nothing is the same afterward," with lasting changes in mood and perception, loss of libido, personality changes, and cognitive impairment. Like LSD, MDMA can, though less frequently, lead to flashbacks, which can be extremely distressing over time. Chronic MDMA use can lead to heart failure and persistent liver damage.
Safer Use
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Use drug checking services. If this is not possible, test a quarter or at most a third of a pill first.
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Don't take another dose immediately; wait two hours for it to take effect.
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Drink 300 ml of water or isotonic drinks per hour.
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Do not consume MDMA directly after eating or on an empty stomach – it is recommended to eat a light, healthy and easily digestible meal a few hours beforehand.
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Accept it when the effect wears off. "Topping it up" won't help if your serotonin stores are depleted.
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Give yourself time to recover, and take breaks of 4-6 weeks after each use.
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Make sure to cool down regularly (e.g., in the fresh air) and avoid wearing warm clothing or head coverings.
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People with high blood pressure, heart problems, overactive thyroid, liver and kidney diseases or circulatory problems should not consume MDMA!
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Women usually need lower doses than men to achieve the same effect, so women should pay attention to the strength of the pill and take less if necessary.