What is Ecstasy?

Ecstasy, known as MDMA in its original form, was developed by Merck Pharma Company in 1912. Initially used by the US Army in psychological warfare, it became popular in the 1960s as a psychotherapy drug for lower inhibitions. During the 1980s, MDMA was being promoted as the happiness drug in weekend and rave parties. Ecstasy, which commonly comes in a pill form can also be used as an injection and other forms.

How is it made?

Ecstasy that has effects similar to hallucinogens and stimulants is a synthetic cooker that is made in a laboratory. Tests on some samples of Ecstasy revealed that it contains mixtures of other synthetic drugs such as Flakka, ketamine, Methamphetamine and synthetic Cathinones. Manufacturing Ecstasy requires use of Formaldehyde, Mercury and Ammonium Chloride along with several other toxic chemicals.

Toxicology of Ecstasy

Ecstasy has become popular in rave parties as vogue among teenagers mostly because of the notion that it is a safe drug. But these drugs have some serious implications toxic effects, both acute and chronic, that resemble those previously seen with other amphetamines and are caused by an excess of the same sympathomimetic actions for which the drugs are valued by the users.  

Street names for Ecstasy

Known as a happiness drug, ecstasy comes in pill or powder form. The pill comes in a variety of logos and colours. The street names include

• Adam
• Beans
• Biscuit
• Clarity
• Disco Biscuit
• E
• Eve
• Cadillac
• California Sunrise
• Essence
• Elephants
• Love Drug
• Love Pill
• Molly
• Roll
• Scooby snacks
• Snowball
• XE
• Hug Drug
• Lover’s Speed
• MDMA
• Peace
• STP
• X
• XTC
• Molly

How addictive is Ecstasy?

Research has revealed that animals will self-administer MDMA which is an important indicator of a drug’s addictive potential. Although the degree of self-administration is shown to be less than some other addictive drugs such as cocaine, some people who use Ecstasy reported symptoms of addiction, including continued use despite negative physical or psychological consequences and craving.