MDMA

Effects of MDMA

There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries some risk. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug.

MDMA affects everyone differently, based on:

• size, weight and health
• whether the person is used to taking it
• whether other drugs are taken around the same time
• the amount taken
• the strength of the drug (varies from batch to batch)
• environment (where the drug is taken).

The effects of MDMA are usually felt about 20 minutes to an hour after it’s taken and last for around three to four hours.The height of this experience is sometimes known as ‘peaking’.

You may experience:

• euphoria
• feeling energetic and confident
• dilated (enlarged) pupils
• jaw clenching and teeth grinding
• heightened senses (sight, hearing and touch)
• excessive sweating and skin tingles
• muscle aches and pains
• reduced appetite
• fast heartbeat
• increased blood pressure
• dehydration
• heat stroke
• drinking extreme amounts of water (can cause death).If you take a large amount or have a strong batch of MDMA, you may also experience:

• floating sensations
• perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations
• out-of-character irrational behaviour
• anxiety
• irritability, paranoia and aggression
• vomiting
• high body temperature
• racing heartbeat
• convulsions.

MDMA, dehydration and overheating

MDMA is taken by some people at festivals, parties, and nightclubs. In these environments, people using MDMA are likely to engage in dancing, which in combination with MDMA can raise body temperature to a dangerous level.