Ecstasy, commonly known as MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), poses significant health risks. These risks are influenced by dosage, purity, and the context of use. Combining MDMA with other substances, like alcohol or SSRIs, amplifies the potential for adverse effects.
Potentially Dangerous Physical Effects of Ecstasy
Using MDMA can lead to a range of negative physical health outcomes, including elevated blood pressure, involuntary jaw clenching, nausea, vomiting, and restless legs. Although fatalities directly linked to MDMA are infrequent, the drug can trigger severe side effects. A particularly dangerous reaction is hyperpyrexia, a rapid and extreme increase in body temperature, especially when users are physically active or in hot environments like nightclubs. Long-term use of MDMA may also result in heart problems or liver damage.
Ecstasy’s Impact on Mood and Brain Function
Anxiety and panic attacks are common psychological effects associated with MDMA use. Research indicates that regular MDMA users may suffer from sleep disturbances, appetite loss, confusion, depression, anxiety, paranoia, and impaired memory and attention.
The Danger of Adulterated Ecstasy
Drugs sold as MDMA often contain other substances, a practice known as adulteration. These hidden ingredients can include ketamine, amphetamine, synthetic cathinones (“bath salts”), 3,4-methylenedioxy-amphetamine (MDA), and methamphetamine.
Consuming adulterated drugs can produce unexpected and dangerous side effects, increasing health risks. The presence of illegally manufactured opioids like fentanyl in the drug supply has contributed to a dramatic surge in drug overdose deaths in the United States. Testing drugs for hidden ingredients can help mitigate these risks.
Risks Associated with Ecstasy Use During Pregnancy
Limited research has explored the effects of prenatal MDMA exposure. However, existing evidence suggests that children born to individuals who used MDMA during pregnancy face a higher risk of birth defects, including heart problems and developmental delays affecting motor skills such as standing and walking.
