What is Ecstasy?

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, also known as ecstasy) is a semisynthetic member of the amphetamine class of psychoactive drugs. It is considered unusual for its tendency to produce a sense of intimacy with others and diminished feelings of fear and anxiety. These effects have led some to suggest it might have therapeutic benefits to some individuals. Before it was made a controlled substance, MDMA was used to aid psychotherapy, often couples therapy, the results of which are poorly documented. Studies have also recently been initiated to examine the therapeutic potential of MDMA for post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety associated with cancer.
MDMA is criminalizedin most countries in the world under a UN agreement, and its possession, manufacture, or sale may result in criminal prosecution, although some limited exceptions exist for scientific and medical research. MDMA is one of the most widely used illicit drugs in the world and is taken in a variety of contexts far removed from its roots in psychotherapeutic settings. It is commonly associated with the rave culture and its related genres of music.
There have been debates within science, health care, and drug policy circles about the risks of MDMA, specifically the possibility of neurotoxic damage to the central nervous system. Regulatory authorities in several locations around the world have approved studies administering MDMA to humans to examine either its therapeutic potential or, more commonly, its basic effects.

The most common subjective effects reported by users include:
Euphoria
Decreased hostility and insecurity
Increased feelings of intimacy with others
Feelings of empathy towards others
Ability to discuss anxiety-provoking topics with markedly increased ease
A strong sense of inner peace and self-acceptance
Feelings of insightfulness and mental clarity
Intensification of sensory experience, particularly proprioception, hearingand touch
Decreased appetite
Short-term memory lapses
The most common physical side effects reported by users include:
Urinary retention (also see hyponatremia)
Mydriasis (abnormal pupil dilation)
Increased physical energy
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Increased mean body temperature
Trisma (lockjaw)
Bruxia (involuntary teeth grinding)
Gurning (projecting the lower jaw forward. Usually caused by higher doses)
Nystagmus (rapid, uncontrollable eye movements)
The most common lingering side effects (i.e., following primary subjective effects) reported by users include:
Several hours of restlessness, sometimes accompanied by residual euphoria
Fatigue
A period of general malaise, normally resolving within a few days
Mildly blurred vision, gradually resolving over a period of up to several days [citation needed]
Serious complications increasing in likelihood with dose, environmental severity, degree of physical activity, and/or certain drug interactions include:
Hyperthermia (due to an intemperate environment and/or lack of hydrationand/or rest from physical activity, usually dancing)
Dehydration (due to an intemperate environment and/or rest from physical activity, usually dancing)
Hyponatremia (due to drug induced antidiuretic hormonerelease and/or excess compensatory intake of fluids, a rare complication)
Serotonin syndrome(believed to be due to excess release of serotonin, sometimes triggered by coadministration of other serotonergic drugs)

Long-Term Effects:
Some studies have indicated that MDMA may cause long-term memory and cognition impairment. Many factors, including total lifetime MDMA consumption, the duration of abstinence between uses, the environment of use, poly-drug use/abuse, quality of mental health, various lifestyle choices, and predispositions to develop clinical depression and other disorders may contribute to various possible health consequences. MDMA use has been occasionally associated with liver damage, excessive wear of teeth, and (very rarely) Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder.

COURTESY: wikipedia.org