Names
E, XTC, doves, disco biscuits, echoes, hug drug. eccies,
burgers, Fantasy (chemical name: MDMA)
Info
Ecstasy usually comes in tablets of different shapes, size and
colour (but often white).
The effects of MDMA are unpredictable.
A tablet might not contain MDMA. Other drugs which might be sold as MDMA can have very different effects.
Ecstasy is a Class A drug.
Effects
Users can feel alert and in tune with their surroundings and with other people too.
Sound, colour and emotions can seem much more intense.
The energy buzz from ecstasy means users may dance for hours.
The effects last anything from 3 to 6 hours.
Risks
As ecstasy starts working (known as 'coming up') users may feel a tightening of the jaw, nausea, sweating and an increase in heart rate.
The comedown can leave users feeling tired and depressed, often for days.
Use has been linked to liver and kidney problems.
Studies into the effects of ecstasy are still at an early stage. However, research shows that MDMA dramatically affects the brain chemistry of animals.
There have been over 60 ecstasy-related deaths in the UK.
