Ecstasy, or MDMA, is also known as ‘ E’, doves and many other street names. It belongs to the class of drugs known as hallucinogenic amphetamines. It gives effects similar to a combination of LSD and amphetamines.

It was first made in 1912, and was rediscovered in the 1960s when it was used by marital therapists in America. It was made illegal in Britain in 1977.

The drug is usually sold in tablet form. There is no easy way of knowing what you are taking when you buy the drug. It may include Ketamine (an anaesthetic), animal worming powder, paracetamol etc.

Short term effects
The drug starts to take effect 20-60 minutes after being taken. The effects can last several hours.

There may be brief nausea, sweating, dry mouth and throat. The blood pressure and heart rate will rise. There will be a lack of body co-ordination, making it unwise to drive or operate machinery.

Users may feel alert, energetic, calm, confident, warm and loving. Once the effects wear off there may be fatigue, paranoia, and depression, which could last for several days. Ecstasy users risk poisoning, overdosing, dehydration and heart-stroke, possibly death.

As with all drugs, the experience usually depends on how the person is feeling at the time, what their expectations are from the drug, the environment in which it is used, and the build of the user.

Long term use
Some long term users report increased susceptibility to minor ailments such as sore throats, colds and flu. There is some evidence to suggest a link between ecstasy and liver and kidney problems.

Women with a history of genito-urinary infections should not use the drug. There is no evidence that the drug has any direct effect on an unborn foetus or a new born baby.

Anyone suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, or epilepsy, or who is in a poor mental or physical condition should not take this drug.

Evidence is mounting that repeated use of ecstasy destroys brain cells, and permanently alters emotional perspectives.

Deaths directly associated with ecstasy use are comparatively rare – about 70 reported deaths to date. These have occurred in apparently healthy young people. Most of the deaths have been associated with heat-stroke, excessive fluid intake or heart failure.

Ecstasy and the law
Ecstasy is a class A drug, with severe penalties for possession and supply. Supply may be defined as sharing your ecstasy with a friend.

A maximum sentence for supplying could be life imprisonment.

If you see someone collapse, lay them in the recovery position and call an ambulance immediately – you may help save a life.