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Street Name: E, MDMA, MDA, MDEA, Pills, X and Love Doves.
Ecstasy is another name for methylene-dioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and was originally synthesized as a drug to reduce appetite. The recreational use of the drug is thought to have been introduced in the early 80's and is linked to the "rave" culture.
Ecstasy falls into a category of drugs between amphetamines and hallucinogens and is usually sold as small, round, white tablets with a picture printed on them, such as the hammer & sickle, a dove, a diamond, a smiley face or a diamond and is sometimes referred to by its appearance, e.g. "diamond" or "smiley".
There is a trend to sell other pills as ecstasy, which contain amphetamines or other substances that produce like effects, such as MDMA or MDA.
Use of Ecstasy 
An ecstasy "high" is usually achieved 20 minutes to an hour after the pill is swallowed. Dilated pupils, dry mouth and tingling are reported initially, followed by "butterfly's in the stomach". A feeling of euphoria and calmness is usually achieved, which lasts up to 6 hours.
Danger of Methamphetamines / Ecstasy use
The greatest danger when using ecstasy is dehydration and heat exhaustion and it is reported to be advisable to drink lots of liquid when dancing during an ecstasy high. On the other hand, there is a theory that ecstasy may negatively influence the kidneys and cause fluids to build up in the kidneys causing kidney failure.
Urine retention, failure to sweat, cramps, headache, fatigue, vomiting and fainting have been reported to occur after taking ecstasy, and these are symptoms of a negative reaction. Medical help should be sought if these symptoms occur.
Effects of Methamphetamines / Ecstasy
Taking ecstasy heightens moods or feelings, and the danger is that a bad "trip" may be experienced if a person is down and depressed. Ecstasy is regarded as a safe drug by users, but deaths have been reported, due to either an allergic reaction, dehydration or heat exhaustion.
Ecstasy increases the heart rate and causes the blood pressure to rise, and people with a prevailing heart condition or weakness in an artery are at an increased risk of a stroke or heart attack when using ecstasy.
Addiction
Psychological addiction to ecstasy has been reported, and underlying psychological problems may surface and intensify due to use of the drug. Tolerance to ecstasy develops quickly, and more and more of the drug has to be taken to reach the original "high".
Co-ordination is effected and accidents do occur due to impaired motor skills. It has been reported that depression and irritability follow use of ecstasy, usually for a few days after use.
Information pages
- How do drugs work?
- Drug detection periods
- Most common drugs being abused
- Amphetamines, speed, uppers
- Cocaine, crack, nose candy
- Methamphetamine, ecstasy, e, ice
- Opiates, morphine, opium, heroin, codeine
- Phencyclidine hydrochloride, pcp, angel dust
- THC, marijuana, cannabis, dagga, ganja, weed
- Drug slang that is used on the streets
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