Drug Class: Entactogens
Individual Drugs: methylenedioxymethampetamine (MDMA), (MDA), (MDE)
MDMA increases the heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature, and produces a sense of energy and alertness. MDMA users generally experience a state of empathy and good feelings for those around them. MDMA is extremely dangerous at high doses; users can feel jittery and clench their teeth. A high number of deaths have been caused in conjunction with ecstasy because of hypertension, kidney failure and increased body temperature. Ecstasy can be dangerous when combined with antidepressants. MDMA increases the level of dopamine and serotonin in the user's body which contributes to the hallucinogenic and amphetamine aspects of the drug. Ecstasy users run the risk of permanently changing or damaging serotonin neurons. This may cause the user to suffer from depression, anxiety and other mood disorders.