Ecstasy: Just the facts

Ecstasy (E) is taken in tablet form. As its powder form, it is known as MDMA.

The Law:

Ecstasy and MDMA are classified as Class A drugs. This is the highest classification for a drug and is illegal to have for personal use, to give away or to sell.

The effects of Ecstasy and MDMA can take up to half an hour to be felt and because of this, some people may take more because they haven’t felt the ‘high’ of the first dose.

The effects of both doses can then kick in at the same time, doubling the effects and risks.

These effects can last for between 2- 6 hours.

Ecstasy and MDMA can make you feel:

• Energised and alert
• As if sounds and colours are more intense
• Love and affection for people around you
• Anxious and suffer panic attacks
• Confused
• Paranoid
• Psychotic

Ecstasy and MDMA carry after-effects which can continue for days after the ‘high’ has passed. These after-effects include:

• Difficulty sleeping/insomnia
• Low mood
• Faster heartbeat

Ecstasy and MDMA have a number of serious risks:

• Increased risk of long term memory problems
• Increased risk of developing depression or anxiety
• Damage to liver, kidney and heart
• Increasing the chances of dehydration and overheating as you are not able to notice increases in your body’s temperature
• Hospital admission
• Death

Ecstasy and MDMA is very rarely pure and even when it is, it’s impossible to determine the strength until it has already been taken.

You can never be sure exactly what’s in a pill or powder, or how you will react to the drug after taking it.

How to get help

If you have any more questions on this area or would like to speak to somebody about this topic, have a look at the links or search for your local services in the blue box below. Alternatively you can always contact your school nurse.

• w: FRANK
  t: 0300 123 6600
• w: Childline
  t: 0800 1111
• w: Turning Point