Molly, often referred to as MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), is a substance known to cause a range of negative health consequences, some of which can be life-threatening. The intensity and nature of these effects are heavily influenced by factors such as the dosage, purity of the Molly consumed, and the manner in which it is taken. Furthermore, combining Molly with other substances, including alcohol or certain prescription medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can significantly amplify the risks of adverse health outcomes.5 The health hazards linked to Molly use are diverse and concerning.
Potentially Dangerous Physical Effects of Molly
The immediate aftermath of taking Molly can manifest in several distressing physical symptoms. These include elevated blood pressure, involuntary teeth grinding or jaw clenching, nausea, vomiting, and restless legs. While fatalities directly attributed to Molly use are infrequent, the substance can trigger severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. One particularly dangerous effect is hyperpyrexia, a drastically high body temperature, which is especially risky when individuals are physically active or in warm environments like nightclubs.6 Chronic Molly use also carries the risk of developing long-term health issues such as heart problems and liver damage.2
Changes in Mood, Mental Health and Brain Function from Molly
Molly’s impact extends beyond the physical, significantly affecting mental well-being and cognitive functions. Anxiety and panic attacks are commonly associated with Molly use.4 Research indicates that regular Molly users may suffer from a constellation of mental health issues, including persistent sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, confusion, clinical depression, heightened anxiety, paranoia, and impairments in memory and attention span.2 These changes highlight the profound effect Molly can have on brain function and overall mental health.
The Hidden Danger of Drug Contamination in Molly
A critical concern with Molly, and illicit drugs in general, is the high likelihood of adulteration. Chemical analyses of substances sold as Molly have frequently revealed the presence of other drugs, often unbeknownst to the user. These undisclosed ingredients can include dangerous substances such as ketamine, amphetamine, synthetic cathinones (commonly known as “bath salts”), 3,4-methylenedioxy-amphetamine (MDA), and methamphetamine.7
Consuming a contaminated drug like Molly can lead to unpredictable and harmful side effects, substantially increasing the health risks. The rise of illegally manufactured opioids, particularly fentanyl, in the illicit drug supply over the past decade has dramatically exacerbated the danger. Fentanyl contamination has been a major driver in the surge of drug overdose deaths across the United States. It is crucial to learn more about available methods for drug checking to identify hidden and dangerous ingredients.
Risks of Molly Use During Pregnancy
The impact of prenatal Molly exposure is an area of serious concern, although research in this area is still developing. Emerging evidence suggests that children born to individuals who used Molly during pregnancy face an elevated risk of congenital disabilities. These can include serious heart defects and developmental delays affecting motor skills, such as the ability to stand and walk at appropriate ages.8,9 This underscores the significant dangers of Molly use, especially for pregnant individuals and their developing children.
[references]:
5. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2023, July 11). MDMA (Ecstasy or Molly). National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/mdma-ecstasy-or-molly
6. World Health Organization. (2018). Lexicon of alcohol and drug terms published by the World Health Organization. World Health Organization.
7. DEA Diversion Control Division. (n.d.). Drug Fact Sheet: MDMA. United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Retrieved from https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/mdma
8. বাড়ৈ, পি., ঘোষ, এ., নন্দী, পি., পাল, ডি. কে., জানা, কে., ও দাস, কে. (2018)। গর্ভাবস্থায় MDMA এক্সপোজারের কারণে ভ্রূণের জন্মগত ত্রুটি এবং বিকাশের বিলম্ব। জন্ম ত্রুটি গবেষণা, 110(17), 1229-1238।
9. লিউ, আর., ওয়াং, এক্স., কুইন, পি. ডি., ও চ্যাং, কে. কে. (2009)। গর্ভাবস্থায় বিনোদনমূলক ওষুধের ব্যবহার এবং জন্মগত ত্রুটির ঝুঁকি: একটি জনসংখ্যা-ভিত্তিক কেস-কন্ট্রোল অধ্যয়ন। পরিবেশগত স্বাস্থ্য দৃষ্টিকোণ, 117(4), 627-632।
