3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA for short) is a common psychoactive drug that is mainly used for recreational purposes. It is most common for users to take MDMA at things like festivals and nightclubs but in some cases, is also used in a calmer setting such as in nature or while at home with friends. MDMA is currently undergoing medical trials for its potential use in treating PTSD.

There is often much confusion amongst people around the terms MDMA and Ecstasy.

MDMA is the shortened scientific name for the psychoactive compound that gives you the “high”. It is usually found in crystal form.

Ecstasy is the street name given to a pressed pill that is supposed to contain the substance MDMA . Ecstasy pills or tablets are intended to be made up of the main ingredient MDMA, and other substances or ”fillers” such as caffeine and various binders. The pills are often pressed with logos or symbols.

The danger with Ecstasy is it is much easier to fill the pills with adulterants. Many pills have been found to contain no MDMA at all.

MDMA is most commonly consumed orally, either in the form of a pill (Ecstasy) or in a capsule. It can also be dissolved in water/liquid and drank, or be snorted. Snorting MDMA is more unpleasant but will lead to a much quicker come up, however the high will usually last for a shorter period of time.

1.5mg/kg of bodyweight, maxing out at 150mg per session.

If you are taking an Ecstasy pill with unknown or high amounts of MDMA, always start with a half.

Studies have found that a dose of 80-100mg is where positive effects are maximized while negative effects are minimized.

If REDOSING take no more than 50% of the amount of your initial dose, 90 minutes after the initial dose.

Avoid redosing more than once; this has been shown to increase neurotoxicity and generally does not improve or lengthen your roll.

Note: Effects will vary slightly between individuals and different dosages

Desirable effects – Euphoria, increased empathy and lovingness, increased confidence, sense of connection to others.

Undesirable effects – Nausea, anxiety, uncontrolled clenching of the jaw, increased body temperature, sweating, thirst, inability to urinate, impaired balance.

One usually starts to feel the effects of MDMA 30-45 minutes after initial consumption.
Effects will generally be felt for 3-6 hours.

In the days after MDMA use, users may experience a so called “comedown”. The comedown may include feelings of sadness, depression, anxiety and irritability.

Not everyone will experience a comedown, and the intensity of one can be influenced by a number of factors such as the dosage and purity of MDMA taken and the use of supplements.

The duration of a comedown can be anywhere from a day to a number of months in extreme cases. If a user experiences a comedown that lasts for longer than 10 days they should consider seeking medical help.

Drink 250-500ml of water (or ideally a sports drink containing electrolyes) per hour. Less could lead to heat stroke, while more could lead to overhydration/hyponatremia.

• Heatstroke/dehydration
• Overhydration/hyponatremia
• Various Side effects and dangers of laced or fake MDMA.
• Seratonin Syndrome!!! Seek immediate medical help if symptoms are experienced, seratonin syndrome can be fatal.