MDMA By:Jason Zukor

Other names for MDMA Ecstasy Fantasy XTC ‘S’ Adam ‘E’ ‘X’ Methylenedioxymethamphetamine

Historical Background MDMA was developed before WWI with a patent issued to a German company in In the mid-60’s the parent drug of ecstasy surfaced in the underground drug market. The search for a legal analog led to MDMA, which remained legal until 1985

How MDMA is taken MDMA comes in the form of a white, crystalline powder which can be buffered and pressed into pills. The usual dose is 1 to 2 mg/kg body weight (125 to 180 mg). It may be ingested orally, placed under the tongue, added to juice or a carbonated beverage, or snorted.

Mechanism of Action In the brain, MDMA causes the release of serotonin, one of the chemicals that transmit signals from one nerve to the next. The release of serotonin, believed to be responsible for its effects, occurs unimpeded and causes a flooding of the synapses, overwhelming the serotonin receptors and preventing its reabsorption.

Effects Getting more popular, it is viewed as a fun drug with little side effects. It’s said to induce insight, heighten sensory perception, peace, self-awareness, empathy, clarity & energy. It may also cause logorrhea (verbal diarrhea) and other side effects similar to it’s parents compounds: loss of appetite, nausea, insomnia, & general restlessness.

Long-Term Effects The worst long-term effect is hypothermia, which can cause death. Increased heart rates are common. It can cause brain damage and memory problems.

Ecstasy Tablets and Pills

COST Production cost: pennies per pill. Street Cost: $20 to $40

If anyone says MDMA is not bad it’s…

Quiz (Yes, I know it’s evil) Name one long-term effect from MDMA. List two names for MDMA. What is one way to take MDMA?

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