Ecstasy Information
MDMA,
called "Adam," "ecstasy," or "XTC" on the street, is a synthetic,
psychoactive (mind-altering) drug with hallucinogenic and
amphetamine-like properties. Its chemical structure (3-4
methylenedioxymeth- amphetamine) is similar to two other
synthetic drugs, MDA and methamphetamine, which are known
to cause brain damage.
Beliefs
about MDMA are reminiscent of similar claims made about LSD
in the 1950s and 1960s, which proved to be untrue. According
to its proponents, MDMA can make people trust each other and
can break down barriers between therapists and patients, lovers,
and family members. Health
Hazards
Many
problems users encounter with MDMA are similar to those
found with the use of amphetamines and cocaine. They are
as follows:
- Psychological
difficulties, including confusion, depression, sleep problems,
drug craving, severe anxiety, and paranoia during and
sometimes weeks after taking MDMA. (Even psychotic episodes
have been reported.)
- Physical
symptoms such as muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching,
nausea, blurred vision, rapid eye movement, faintness,
and chills or sweating.
- Increases
in heart rate and blood pressure, a special risk for people
with circulatory or heart disease.
Recent
research findings also link MDMA use to long-term damage
to those parts of the brain critical to thought and memory.
It is thought that the drug causes damage to the neurons
that use the chemical serotonin to communicate with other
neurons. In monkeys, exposure to MDMA for four days caused
brain damage that was evident six to seven years later.
This study provides further evidence that people who take
MDMA may be risking permanent brain damage.
Also,
there is evidence that people who develop a rash that looks
like acne after MDMA use may be risking severe side effects,
including liver damage, if they continue using.
MDA,
the parent drug of MDMA, is an amphetamine-like drug that
has also been abused and is similar in chemical structure
to MDMA. Research shows that MDA destroys serotonin-producing
neurons, which play a direct role in regulating aggression,
mood, sexual activity, sleep, and sensitivity to pain. It
is probably this action on the serotonin system that gives
MDA its purported properties of heightened sexual experience,
tranquillity, and conviviality.
MDMA
also is related in structure and effects to methamphetamine,
which has been shown to cause degeneration of neurons containing
the neurotransmitter dopamine. Damage to these neurons is
the underlying cause of the motor disturbances seen in Parkinson's
disease. Symptoms of this disease begin with lack of coordination
and tremors, and can eventually result in a form of paralysis.
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