Ecstasy Category: HallucinogensSedativesStimulants

(also called: E, disco biscuits, hug drug, mitsubishi, rolex, dolphins, XTC, yokes, love doves, MDMA, brownies, M and Ms, sweeties, tulips, X)

How it’s used

Ecstasy is a stimulant drug (‘upper’) that also produces mild hallucinogenic effects. Ecstasy tablets come in a variety of colours and shapes and often have a logo or design.

Short-term effects

Effects can start after 20 to 60 minutes and last for several hours
Your pupils dilate and your jaw tightens
You may have nausea, sweating, loss of appetite, dry mouth and throat
You can have epileptic fits and paranoia for the first time
Your body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate go up
You may feel intense emotions and love for people around you
Anxiety, panic attacks and confusion

Long-term effects

Weight loss
Loss of interest in work
You may get flashbacks
Sleep problems, lack of energy and dietary problems
Bouts of depression, personality change and memory loss

Other dangers

Danger of collapse, vomiting and burst blood vessels
Anxiety, psychosis, panic attacks, hallucinations, insomnia and paranoia
Liver, kidney and heart problems
Women may get more frequent urinary tract infections
Heart failure
The ‘loved up’ feeling can lead to unsafe sex, with the risk of unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease (STDs) and HIV
Heatstroke, dehydration
Drinking too much fluid too fast can be dangerous – best to sip 1 pint of water per hour
Death by overdose is rare

If you are pregnant

Do not use ecstasy if you are pregnant as we don’t know enough about the risks to your baby.

Addictive

You won’t become physically addicted to ecstasy but there is a risk of psychological addiction, when you feel you can’t enjoy yourself without it. You may build tolerance to it so you have to keep taking more to get the same buzz.

Withdrawal

If you use regularly, you may feel tired and depressed when you withdraw from ecstasy.

How long does it stay in your system?

Ecstasy shows up in urine tests for 3-8 days. (The length of time depends on the test used, the amount you take, if you have other medical conditions and your own metabolism. Please use this figure as a guide only)

What help is available?

Self-help support such as Narcotics Anonymous
Counselling or psychotherapy
Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture
Your doctor
Residential treatment programmes (clinics)
Aftercare
One to one or group family support
Contact the Drugs Helpline 1800 459 459 to find out about options in your area

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