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Ecstacy (MDMA)
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Description
The chemical name for ecstasy is 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA. The chemical structure and the effects of MDMA are similar to amphetamine (a stimulant) and to mescaline (a hallucinogen).
MDMA was patented in 1913, and has been used experimentally, most notably as a supplement to psychotherapy in the 1970s. It was made illegal to possess, traffic, import or produce in Canada in 1976.
Ecstasy is made in illicit labs with chemicals and processes that vary from lab to lab. What's sold as ecstasy often contains unknown drugs or other fillers.
Ecstasy tablets come in different shapes, sizes and colours, and are often stamped with a logo, such as a butterfly or clover, giving them a candy-like look. This "branding" of ecstasy tablets should not be mistaken for an indication of quality, as manufacturers may use the same logo, and low-quality copycats are common. Tablets that are sold as ecstasy may not contain MDMA. "Herbal ecstasy," often promoted as containing only "natural" ingredients, usually contains herbal ephedrine, which has stimulant properties.
Consumption
Ecstasy is usually sold as a tablet or capsule that is swallowed. It may also be sold in powder form, or the tablets may be crushed and then snorted. Although rare, there are also some reports that the drug is injected.
Effects
Ecstasy often contains drugs other than MDMA, which may or may not be similar in effect to MDMA. Some of the other drugs include caffeine, ephedrine, amphetamine, dextromethorphan, ketamine or LSD. Ecstasy sometimes contains highly toxic drugs, such as PMA (paramethoxyamphetamine), which can be lethal even in low doses.
Ecstasy affects the chemistry of the brain, in particular by releasing a high level of serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that plays an important role in the regulation of mood, energy level and appetite, among other things. Ecstasy increases body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate, which can lead to kidney or heart failure, strokes and seizures. Ecstasy may cause jaundice and liver damage.
The use of ecstasy causes an involuntary grinding of the teeth. Over time, users wear down the enamel of their teeth. Ecstasy also causes
Street Names
Adam, beans, blue lips, blue kisses, decadence, disco biscuits, doctor, "E", essence, Eve, kleenex, hug drug, love drug, Scooby snacks, lovers' speed, sweethearts, X, X'ing, XTC, tulips, green nips, white octagons.
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