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Ecstasy is an illegal synthetic, or designer, drug. Designer
drugs mimic an already illegal drug by slightly altering the
chemical composition. Ecstasy is also called MDMA, which
stands for methylenedioxymethamphetamine. The amount of MDMA
needed to get "high" is close to the toxic dose. Ecstasy is
similar to methamphetamine and MDA, which is another
designer drug, in its chemistry, therefore it may have
similar affects to other amphetamines. Ecstasy acts as a
stimulant to the central nervous system. Ecstasy can be
found in a capsule or pill form, of various colors. It may
also be in powder form. Ecstasy is commonly used at "rave"
party settings. "Raves" are all night parties known for
their dance music and drug experimentation. Other names
for ecstasy are wonder drug and XTC.
IMMEDIATE EFFECTS
- feelings of detachment
- loss of drives such as hunger, sleep, and sexual
- muscle tension
- blurred vision/rapid eye movements
- sweating or chills
- insomnia
- tremors
- hypertension
- increase in heart rate
- decrease in appetite
- dehydration
- nausea
- fainting
- death
LONG-TERM EFFECTS
- anorexia
- high blood pressure
- kidney failure
- stroke
- change in emotion
- affects memory
- change in brain chemicals
PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS
- confusion
- depression
- sleep problems
- anxiety
- paranoia
- hallucinations
- panic
- psychotic episodes
Ecstasy can deplete as much as 90% of the brain's
serotonin supply with two weeks of use. Serotonin is a
neurotransmitter in the brain which controls activities such
as regulating aggression, thinking, sleeping, eating,
sensitivity to pain, and mood.
HERBAL ECSTASY The main drug in herbal ecstasy is ephedra or ma huang, a
natural herb. Herbal ecstasy is legal in most states;
although some states have recently banned the drug. Ephedra has been used for weight control, upper respiratory
treatment, and as an energy booster. Herbal ecstasy can be found in a capsule or pill form, of
various colors. Herbal ecstasy can be purchased from a
variety of places, including some health food stores, record
stores, nightclubs, and through mail order. Herbal ecstasy is commonly used at "rave" party settings. Other brand names of drugs containing ingredients similar to
herbal ecstasy are Cloud 9, Ultimate Xphoria, X, and Rave
Energy. Herbal ecstasy, when combined with caffeine, stimulates the
central nervous system. EFFECTS
- liver failure
- increased blood pressure
- increased heart rate
- palpitations
- stroke
- fainting
- euphoric feeling
- increase in sexual sensations
- increase in awareness
- seizures
- heart attacks
- death
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