MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, is a synthetic drug composed of chemical molecules produced in clandestine labs. MDMA is an amphetamine derivative. However, the synthesis process alters the original amphetamine molecule so significantly that it loses a part of its stimulant effect and gains hallucinogenic properties. It is for this reason that MDMA falls into 2 categories of drugs: stimulants and hallucinogens.
MDMA can be mixed with other substances:
Amphetamines
Hallucinogens
Analgesics (painkillers)
Anabolic agents (drugs that promote muscle growth)
PCP (mescaline); this mixture is the most dangerous, but it is increasingly harder to find on the street
Caffeine
Starch
Detergent
When using a synthetic drug such as MDMA, you can never be sure what you are actually consuming. Therefore, you might:
Feel nothing at all
Feel what you expected to feel, either partially or completely
This effect can be dangerous, even toxic.
What it is called
Appearance
Characteristics
Adam
Cadillac
Beans
California sunrise
Clarity
E
Essence
Elephants
Eve
Hug
Hug drug
Love drug
Love pill
Lovers’ speed
Roll
Scooby snacks
Snowball
Names vary according to what the pill looks like and what is engraved on it.
Pills of various colours and shapes with different patterns engraved on them
MDMA can be mixed with other substances, such as amphetamines, hallucinogens, analgesics, anabolic agents or PCP (mescaline). The PCP mixture is the most dangerous.
MDMA can also be cut with substances that may be toxic. You do not actually know what you are using.
Effects of MDMA (ecstasy)
Like amphetamines, MDMA has a stimulant effect, albeit less intense. Generally, the effects include:
Emotions felt with heightened intensity
Euphoria
A desire to socialize – to communicate verbally and with the senses, especially touch. MDMA gives you the impression that you can put yourself in other people’s shoes. It makes you want to get closer to others physically and psychologically.
General alteration of sensory perception, touch in particular
High fever
Dehydration
Urinary retention (inability to urinate)
Serious liver problems
Difficulty sleeping and impaired memory
Impaired coordination
Decreased attention and slower reaction time
When the euphoria wears off, depression often sets in and may or may not last, depending on the person.
Risks associated with MDMA (Ecstasy) and possible consequences
Academic or professional: absenteeism, decreased motivation, temporary expulsion from school, weaker results
Relationships: conflicts with friends and family
In case of overdose, MDMA can cause:
Restlessness
Anxiety
Confusion
Panic
Visual hallucinations
Psychosis
Emotional instability
Fever
Excessive perspiration
Seizures (stiff body with jerky and involuntary muscle spasms)
Coma
Irregular heartbeat
Addiction
Frequent and sustained use of MDMA can cause psychological dependence, which means that you need to take the drug more often in order to feel better about yourself, relax, calm down, feel stimulated or have the courage to face problems.
To learn more, read the Addiction section of Problems Associated with Alcohol Consumption and Drug Use.
Consequences associated with safety and law
Driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs is illegal and may cause accidents. The same applies to synthetic drugs. To learn more, consult the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec website .
Possession of synthetic drugs is illegal. Simply possessing a small quantity can lead to fines and a criminal record. These consequences also apply to people younger than 18. To learn more, consult the Éducaloi website .