MDMA is often called ecstasy. It is a drug frequently taken at parties, raves or music festivals.

About MDMA

MDMA is short for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine. It is made and sold illegally. MDMA has stimulant properties like amphetamine. It can also cause hallucinations.

MDMA is most often swallowed in tablets or capsules. Tablets vary in:

• size
• shape
• colour
• amount of drug contained

Many tablets are stamped with official-looking names or logos. However, these stamps do not identify what is in the pills and they do not mean that the pills are safe.

MDMA is controlled under Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Activities such as sale, possession or production of MDMA are illegal unless authorized for medical, scientific or industrial purposes.

Short-term effects of MDMA

It takes about an hour for MDMA to reach the brain when you swallow it. The effects may then last from 3 to 6 hours.

Some of the less pleasant effects of MDMA may last up to 1 week or longer.

Mental effects

MDMA triggers the brain to release ‘feel-good’ chemicals (serotonin and dopamine). You may experience:

• increased physical energy and confidence
• feelings of pleasure and well-being (euphoria)
• sociability, friendliness and closeness with others (empathy)

However, when the pleasurable effects start to wear off you can experience:

• fatigue
• depression
• confusion or paranoia
• trouble concentrating
• panic attacks or anxiety
• delirium or hallucinations

Physical effects

You may also experience unpleasant physical effects. These include:

• sweating
• decreased appetite
• nausea and vomiting
• seizures or convulsions
• teeth grinding and jaw pain
• dilated pupils and blurry vision

Long-term effects of MDMA

MDMA use can lead to long-term mental and physical effects.

Mental effects

During or after taking MDMA you may experience:

• paranoia
• depression
• hallucinations
• sleeplessness
• mental confusion

Delusions and other psychotic symptoms may last for several days. These effects can linger for weeks in some people.

Physical effects

MDMA can increase your:

• heart rate
• blood pressure

Substance use disorders and withdrawal

MDMA can be addictive. If you use too much your body may become tolerant of the drug. This means you need to take more and more of it to feel the same effects.

Therapeutic uses

MDMA is being studied for its potential to treat conditions such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. These studies use medical-grade MDMA in clinically supervised settings.