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.
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").
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").
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.
Side effects include jaw spasms, muscle tremors, nausea/vomiting, increased blood pressure palpitations, cardiac arrhythmias, headache, and diarrhea. On the psychological level, agitation and inner restlessness, physical agitation, anxiety, and panic may occur. The heart, liver, and kidneys become particularly stressed. Body temperature is greatly increased; there is a risk of heat stroke and even cerebral edema or multiple organ failure. In overdose, muscle spasms and hallucinations may occur. MDMA can in rare cases cause epileptic seizures, psychosis, kidney and liver failure, brain hemorrhages and heart attacks!
Long-term risks
Frequent and intensive use of MDMA can alter the serotonin system. Repeated high doses increase the risk of impaired memory functions. The extent to which these recover with prolonged abstinence is as yet unclear. An increased risk of affective disorders and anxiety disorders is suspected as a result of chronic MDMA use. Occasionally, even after one-time MDMA use, users report that "nothing is the same afterwards," with permanent mood and perceptual changes, loss of libido, personality changes, and impaired thinking. MDMA, like LSD, although less common, can lead to flashback phenomena that can be psychologically distressing over the long term. Chronic MDMA use can lead to heart failure and persistent liver damage.
Caution! MDMA content in pills and purity of powder can vary greatly. There may be extremely strong pills in circulation that are unsuitable for first-time users because they are life-threatening. Some pills are sold as MDMA pills that contain other active ingredients. In addition, pills with synthetic impurities are frequently in circulation.
Avoid mixed use with other substances, especially:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
