MDMA: Effects and Chemical Structure

MDMA (Ecstasy)

• MDMA, also known as Molly or Ecstasy, is a synthetic drug similar to stimulants like methamphetamine.
• Some researchers and organizations classify it as a psychedelic drug due to its effects on visual and time perception.
• MDMA first gained popularity in nightclubs and now is used in a wide range of settings.
• Research is ongoing into MDMA's potential as a treatment for depression and PTSD.

Chemical Structure

• MDMA's chemical structure is 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine.
• Chemical structures for amphetamine and methamphetamine are also shown.
• Structures for MDA (3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine) and MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) are shown.

Introduction

• MDMA's effects are similar to other stimulants, but it can also affect visual and time perception.
• Its use in nightclub settings is common, but it is also studied for treatment of depression and PTSD.

MDMA: Description

• MDMA is an illegal drug sold in the black market.
• It creates feelings of happiness, energy, and the desire to socialize.
• It works by affecting serotonin levels in the brain, similar to Prozac.
• MDMA is usually sold in pills or capsules of various colors and shapes.

Names and Classification

• MDMA is classified under Schedule 1 of controlled drugs.
• It is also known by nicknames like XTC, Adam, E, X, love drug, or dove.

Effects of MDMA

• Effects manifest within 45 minutes of taking a single dose.
• Users often feel happy, energetic, alert, and connected to others.
• Increased sensitivity to sights, sounds, touch, and smells is also a common experience.
• Effects peak within 15-30 minutes and last an average of three hours.

Is MDMA Safe?

• MDMA use can lead to negative and potentially serious health effects.
• The extent of the effects depends on factors like dose, purity, and how it is taken.

Health Risks

• MDMA use can lead to various health risks:
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Jaw clenching
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Restless legs
  • High body temperature (hyperpyrexia)
  • Poor sleep
  • Loss of appetite
  • Confusion
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Memory and attention problems
• Combining MDMA with other drugs, like alcohol or some prescription drugs, significantly increases the risk of negative health effects.

MDMA with other substances

• MDMA can be combined with LSD for a more intense experience (“candyflipping”).
• Mixing MDMA with alcohol or certain prescription drugs can heighten risks.

Distributors

• About 90% of the global MDMA supply comes from illicit labs in the Netherlands and Belgium.
• Organized crime groups from Israel traffic the drug globally.

Not Pure/Fake MDMA

• Illegally produced MDMA is often impure.
• The amount of actual MDMA in pills can vary significantly (from 50 to 300 mg, or even less).
• Other substances, such as amphetamines, ephedrine, caffeine, ketamine, methamphetamine, acetaminophen, MDA, MDEA, PMA, or dextromethorphan, are frequently found in fake MDMA.

Chemical Characteristics

• MDMA increases brain levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
• It's similar to amphetamines in its effect on neurotransmitter release but much more potent on serotonin.
• Its effects include increased mood, altered perception, and feelings of euphoria and intimacy (likely due to serotonin release).
• MDMA's effects are generally most intense when taken on an empty stomach and may be intensified by concurrent cocaine use, while potentially diminished by alcohol or marijuana.

Effects of MDMA and Hallucinogens

• MDMA's effects have aspects of both amphetamines (stimulation-like) and hallucinogens (altered perception).
• Lower doses of MDMA (40-80 mg) often lead to heightened interpersonal feelings, self-esteem, and an overall feeling of euphoria.
• Higher MDMA dosages (120+mg) can lead to intense feelings of panic, depression, confusion, and anxiety.

Side Effects

• Common side effects include loss of appetite, rapid heart rate, jaw tension, teeth grinding, dilated pupils, and sweating.
• Increased blood pressure, transitory nausea, and jitteriness can also occur.
• More serious implications include sudden death syndrome related to cytochrome P450-246 enzyme deficiency.

Possible Health Effects

• Short-term health effects of MDMA include anxiety, restlessness, irritability, sadness, impulsiveness, aggression, increased heart rate, nausea, blurred vision, chills, and sweating.
• Short-term use can lead to body temperature increases that can damage the liver, kidney, or heart causing death.
• Long-term effects include depression, loss of appetite, sleep problems, aggression, reduced interest in sex, memory problems, and potential damage to other organs.

Neurotoxicity

• MDMA destroys nerve terminals, unlike other amphetamines that primarily block reuptake.
• High and large doses cause permanent damage to neurotransmitters.
• Neurotoxicity is reduced by taking fluoxetine, an antidepressant, concurrently (twice the normal dose).

What Makes MDMA So Dangerous?

• It can be disguised as pure MDMA and not pure at all.
• It can contain various drugs that are dangerous in isolation.
• Users are often unaware of the actual contents and doses.

Frequent MDMA Use

• Frequent MDMA use can damage serotonin neurons, impacting mood, memory, sleep, and appetite.
• Continued MDMA use can lead to similar problems observed in people with cocaine and amphetamine addiction.

Serotonin Recovery

• Studies show serotonin levels in the brain take 1-2 weeks to return to normal after MDMA use.
• 7 years after use, some effects may still linger.

Withdrawal Symptoms

• Repeated MDMA use quickly leads to tolerance, and withdrawal can be intense.
• Symptoms include mood swings (from positive to negative), exhaustion, empathy loss, uncaring behavior, and other severe withdrawal impacts.
• Similar to amphetamine overdose, potential damage is considerable under situations where abuse happens again in quick succession.

Long-Term Health Problems

• Long-term effects are similar to chronic amphetamine use.
• Concerns include panic attacks, paranoia, psychosis, long-term declines in memory, and diminished brain activity.

Overdose

• Physical signs of overdose include fever, rapid or irregular heartbeat, shallow breathing, high blood pressure, dilated pupils, blurred vision, dry mouth, profuse sweating, teeth grinding, tremors, seizures, coma.
• Mental signs of overdose include confusion, agitation, paranoia, and hallucinations.
• Immediate treatment with rapid cooling and antispasmodics (like dantrolene) is crucial.

MDMA as Treatment

• The FDA has not approved MDMA for treating any condition.
• However, MDMA has been designated a breakthrough therapy to accelerate research on treating PTSD.
• MDMA treatments are always carried out under the close supervision of medical professionals, often combined with talk therapy.

Explore the fascinating world of MDMA, also known as Ecstasy. This quiz delves into its chemical structure, effects on perception, and ongoing research for potential therapeutic uses. Test your knowledge on this complex substance and its impact on mental health.