Quick info

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, also N-methyl-1-[1,3 benzo-dyoxol-5-yl]-2-propanamine) is a synthetic substituted amphetamine derivative and belongs to the group of entactogenic and emphatogenic stimulants. MDMA is considered one of the most popular illicit substances and is often consumed at parties.

MDMA is one of the better-studied illicit psychoactive substances and is currently being researched as a possible treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Effect

Dosage

Risks

Safer Use

Mixed use

Sex

Extender

LSD analogues

Synthesis impurities

Contents

Effect

MDMA releases high levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. Feelings of hunger and thirst are reduced, alertness, drive and attention are increased, body temperature and blood pressure rise. A pleasant body sensation spreads; one feels light and carefree. Sight and hearing change, touch and music are felt more intensely, inhibitions are reduced, need for contact and empathy are increased - one feels connected with the others present (hence the name "hug drug" which means something like "cuddle drug").

Duration

Onset of action
Swallowed: After approx. 30 - 120 min. Only after 2 hours to prevent overdose.
Snorted: after a few minutes (This form of consumption is described as very unpleasant)
Rectally inserted: after about 30 minutes.

Duration of action
‍Swallowed
: 4-6 hours
Reliable information is lacking on the duration of action during snorting and rectal consumption.

After-effects
2 - 24 hours. However, post-acute effects such as mood swings, anxiety symptoms, and listlessness can occur several days after MDMA use (the "midweek blues").

Dosage

Swallowed
Low doses are below 60mg, moderate doses between 60 and 130mg, above which a high dose can be assumed. Extremely high doses above 200mg are potentially life-threatening, especially for inexperienced users.
The dose of MDMA is highly dependent on gender and weight. The maximum dose for men is 1.5 mg MDMA per kg body weight, for women max. 1.3 mg per kg body weight. At these doses, 80% of the available serotonin is released. It is recommended to dose lower, as the maximum dose is not necessary for the optimal effect.

For sniffing and rectal consumption, the dosage should be even lower. No more detailed information is available on these forms of consumption. We recommend taking a maximum of half the recommended dose (swallowed).

Forms of appearance
In pill form (usually with specific imprints, shapes and colors) or in crystalline form or as powder, also filled in capsules.

Risks

Avoid mixed use with other substances, especially:

Safer Use

  • Use drug checking. If this is not possible, test a quarter or a maximum of a third of a pill first.
  • Don't put it on right away, wait two hours for it to take effect first.
  • Drink 3 dl of water or isotonic drinks per hour. Refrain from alcohol.
  • Do not consume MDMA right after a meal or on an empty stomach - it is recommended to have a light, healthy and easily digestible meal a few hours before.
  • Accept when the effect runs out. "Spiking" does not help when the serotonin stores are empty.
  • Give yourself time to recover, and take breaks of 4-6 weeks after each consumption.
  • Make sure to always cool down (e.g., in the fresh air) and not wear warm clothing or headgear.
  • People with high blood pressure, heart problems, hyperthyroidism, liver and kidney diseases or circulatory problems should not consume MDMA!
  • Women usually need lower doses than men for the same effect, so women should pay attention to the strength of the pill and take less if necessary.
  • Refrain from alcohol and drink enough non-alcoholic beverages. About 3 dl per hour is ideal. Isotonic drinks are best to avoid hyponatremia ("water intoxication").
  • Take breaks from dancing at parties and get some fresh air.
  • Do not wear headgear, except in strong sun (danger of overheating!).
  • If you are taking medication, ask your doctor about possible interactions. If you are taking psychotropic drugs, the use of MDMA is strongly discouraged (risk of serotonin syndrome)!

Mixed use

Avoid mixed use with other substances, especially:

Cocaine

Risk

This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.

More about poly-drug use

Lower risk

Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.

More about poly-drug use

Risk

This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.

More about poly-drug use

Lower risk

Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.

More about poly-drug use

Lower risk

Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.

More about poly-drug use

Lower risk

Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.

More about poly-drug use

Risk

This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.

More about poly-drug use

Lower risk

Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.

More about poly-drug use

Risk

This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.

More about poly-drug use

Risk

This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.

More about poly-drug use

Risk

This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.

More about poly-drug use

Lower risk

Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.

More about poly-drug use

Danger of death!

Please do not mix these substances; it is dangerous. Even small amounts or taking additional doses can lead to serious circulatory problems, loss of consciousness, respiratory arrest, overheating, or death.

More about poly-drug use

Lower risk

Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.

More about poly-drug use

Risk

This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.

More about poly-drug use

Risk

This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.

More about poly-drug use

Extender

In addition to the side effects typical of MDMA, there is a risk of ingesting misdeclared substances, pharmacologically active extenders, and high-dose pills when consuming MDMA pills. The most common extenders can be found here.

Synthesis Contamination

MDMA samples may contain a variety of substances that originate in the manufacturing process. They are referred to as synthesis impurities or synthesis by-products. Their presence depends on the manufacturing process, as well as on the effort made to purify the MDMA produced at the end of the process.

Each synthesis impurity represents an unknown health risk: the properties hazardous to health have never been scientifically studied and are therefore difficult to estimate. The more different synthesis impurities are contained in a sample, the greater the probability that an impurity with a high adverse health effect is among them. Even a small amount of such an impurity can be harmful. In addition, synthetic impurities are an indication of improper manufacturing/purification. It is also important to add that regular use of MDMA with synthetic impurities poses a higher health risk than one-time use.

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Emergency

If you or someone else needs urgent help after taking drugs or alcohol, call an ambulance on 144. Tell the emergency responders everything you know.
It could save lives.

Things to know

Current warnings

Advisory service