Ecstasy (MDMA)Ryan Logan-Magnusson

EcstasyBrand Names• Mitsubishis• Blue Nikes• Pokemons• X-Files

Street Names• E• X

• E-Tarts• Hug Drug

Chemical Name• 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine

History

• German pharmaceutical company first synthesized MDMA in 1912 – appetite suppressant

• Rediscovered by U.S. therapists in late 1970’s – utilize it in psychotherapy and marriage counseling.

• popular in the U.S. late 1980's – “raves” - large dance parties with throbbing

electronic music and pulsating lights• Illegal in 1988, categorized as a Schedule I drug

Schedule I

• Medical dictionary definition :

“a category of drugs not considered legitimate for medical use”

Actions

• properties of stimulants and hallucinogens

• heightened feelings of well-being and sociability

• increased sensitivity to sensory input

Effects

Physiological• Increased heart rate

• Increased blood pressure• Muscle tension• Teeth clenching• Chills/sweating

Psychological• Hallucinations• Euphoria• Paranoia

Potential Side Effects

Short Term• Muscle tension

• Anxiety• Dehydration• Increased body

temperature (up to 108 degrees)

Long Term• Sleep problems• Drug craving

• Depletion of memory• Death

*pop star Britney Spears

Bibliography"Ecstasy." Center for Substance Abuse Research. University of Maryland, 2 May

2005. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. <http://www.cesar.umd.edu>.

"NIDA InfoFacts: MDMA (Ecstasy)." National Institute on Drug Abuse. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. <http://www.drugabuse.gov>.

"Schedule I." The Free Dictionary. Farlex, n.d. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. <http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Schedule+I+drug>.

Staff. "Ecstasy: Fast Facts." Do It Now. Do It Now Foundation, Jan. 2010. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. <http://www.doitnow.org>.

"Street Terms: Drugs and the Drug Trade." Office of National Drug Control Policy. N.p., 6 Apr. 2005. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. <http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov>.