Ecstasy/MDMA

WHAT IS MDMA?

Methylene Dioxy MethAmphetamine (MDMA), also called ecstasy, is a drug that acts as a stimulant and an hallucinogen. It speeds up the brain and the central nervous system, produces changes in perception of time, and enhanced enjoyment of sensory experiences, and a feeling of empathy or emotional communication.

Drugs sold as MDMA or ecstasy contain varying amounts of MDMA. Some contain none, or trace amounts, and are instead a mix of other drugs, like amphetamine, ketamine or something else. Others may be ‘cut’ with filler substances, ranging from household cleaning products or other potentially harmful chemicals.

Drugs thought to be MDMA may contain other potentially harmful substances or very concentrated MDMA.

MDMA is usually found in pill, capsule, or powdered forms. It is usually taken orally, but can be cut in order to snort, shelve (rectal insertion), or (rarely) inject.

 

HOW MDMA WORKS

MDMA affects different people differently. Effects vary depending on how much you take, your size, your genetics and general health, and your mood, how much you have eaten beforehand, other drugs and prescription medications you are taking, and the route of administration. Taken orally, effects of MDMA start to be felt anywhere between 30 to 90 minutes peak at around 2-3 hours, and can last upwards of 6 hours.

Effects of MDMA include feelings of euphoria and increased confidence, dilated pupils, reduced inhibitions, clenching of the jaw, heightened sensory awareness, excessive sweating, nausea and reduction in appetite, increased heart rate, increased risk of dehydration, and heat stroke. MDMA can also make your eyes wobble (nystagmus) and stop you peeing (you will notice once the effects wear off you need to pee a lot). Too much can make you nauseous and have to poo.

 

DOSING

Approximately 75-100mg of MDMA is considered a single dose, but because the purity of MDMA is often unpredictable, testing your drugs is a good idea to know what’s in them. However, simple testing kits won’t provide dosage information, which is why it’s best to start low, and go slow.

If it’s a pill, start with quarter or a half. If using powder, use the crush, dab, wait test: crush your MDMA into a fine powder, dab the end of your finger into it, then wait 2-3hours before dosing again. Note it can take 3 hours to feel the effects of MDMA if you take MDMA on a full stomach.

 

MINIMISING RISKS OF OVERDOSE AND OTHER HARMS

  • Always start low and go slow. Taking a low dose enables you to test the effects of the MDMA.
  • Avoid taking too much in one go. Wait a few hours before you dose again.
  • Don’t double dose, or re-dose while you are still waiting to feel the effects. If you don’t feel any effects after an hour or two, don’t take another one. There’s a chance the drug you took isn’t MDMA, so it’s unclear what effect re-dosing would have.
  • Be aware of what else you are taking. MDMA can interact with some antidepressants, and other stimulant drugs.
  • Drinking alcohol at the same time can increase your risk of dehydration.
  • Deaths related to MDMA are often caused by overheating and dehydration: take regular breaks to cool down, get some fresh air.
  • Drink plenty of water, but not too much: sip, don’t skol. If you’re dancing, have around 500mL of water per hour, and if you’re not moving as much, aim for around 250mL.
  • Don’t go solo: look after your friends, and let them know what you’ve taken so they can look after you
  • Don’t freak out about police or dogs and take all your drugs at once: if you are concerned don’t risk it!
  • If you’re concerned about yourself of someone else, get help promptly.
  • Find out where the medical tent and places to chill out are as soon as you arrive

For more information on Ecstasy/MDMA check out the following resources and information:

  • Read more on Between the Lines about avoiding an MDMA overdose.
  • Touchbase - an initiative by the Victorian AIDS Council, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation and the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations, is an LGBTI focused website for alcohol and other drug information and support.
  • Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) - ADF aims to prevent alcohol and other drug harms in Australia.
  • HowHard - information about sexual health, sexual practices and drug use written by sexually adventurous men for sexually adventurous men.
  • Find out how your ecstasy/MDMA use stacks up against other people from around the world at https://drugsmeter.com/mdma/ .
  • Having sex whilst using ecstasy? David Stewart has been working and researching in the Chemsex field for over 15 years and currently manages the ChemSex support programmes at 56 Dean Street sexual health clinic in London. Check out his ChemSex Care Plan.
  • Want to check in with ACON’s substance support service? You can fill out an enquiry form.

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