Ecstasy

• Ecstasy is a street term for a range of drugs that are similar in structure to MDMA (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine).
• Ecstasy is an amphetamine-type substance classed as an hallucinogenic amphetamine, which means it combines the effects of hallucinogens such as LSD and the stimulant effects of speed.
• Like other illegally manufactured drugs, such as speed, there are no controls on factors such as the strength and hygiene of the drug. This increases the chances of a person overdosing, being poisoned or experiencing other adverse reactions after taking the drug.

Street names

Ecstasy is also known as 'E', ‘XTC’, ‘eccy’ and ‘the love drug’.

Effects

The effects of any drug (including ecstasy) can vary from person to person. Because ecstasy is commonly taken before or during dance or ‘rave’ parties, the stimulant effects are likely to increase.

Many people have experienced the following effects soon after taking ecstasy:

• increase in heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure
• increase in confidence
• jaw clenching, teeth grinding
• feelings of well-being
• nausea
• feelings of closeness to others, hence the term ‘love drug’
• anxiety
• loss of appetite
• sweating.

 These effects usually begin within 20 minutes of taking the drug, and may last up to 6 hours. Some people have reported symptoms persisting for 32 hours after using ecstasy.

 Higher quantities don’t appear to enhance the desirable effects of the drug and may cause:

• convulsions (fits)
• vomiting
• floating sensations
• irrational or bizarre behaviour
• hallucinations.

After using ecstasy, some or all of the following symptoms can occur:

• insomnia
• depression
• anxiety
• paranoia
• fatigue
• difficulty concentrating.

These effects usually begin the day after taking the drug and can last for several days.

There is little conclusive information about the long-term effects of ecstasy use. Research indicates that few people tend to use ecstasy for a long time. This is possibly due to the severity of undesirable effects, which tend to increase the longer ecstasy use continues, while the pleasurable effects diminish.

Signs of overdose

Overdose from ecstasy can occur. The signs of overdose are:

• very high body temperature and blood pressure
• hallucinations
• an elevated heartbeat.

 This is especially dangerous for those who have an existing heart condition or breathing problems, and for people with depression or other psychological disorder.

Although it is difficult to determine the exact number of ecstasy-related deaths that have occurred, it is known that death can result under three distinct circumstances after ecstasy is taken:

• The stimulant effect: resulting in heart attack or brain haemorrhage.
• Overheating: the combination of taking ecstasy with prolonged and vigorous dancing raises the body temperature to dangerous levels. Because it is often taken in hot, humid venues, such as rave or dance parties, the risk of death by overheating (hyperthermia) is further increased.
• Drinking too much: several deaths have occurred from dilutional hyponatremia—a condition where a person’s brain swells from excess fluid intake, inducing a coma.

 Warning signs of overheating and dehydrating:

• starting to feel very hot, unwell and confused
• not being able to talk properly
• headache
• vomiting
• not being able to urinate, or noticing that urine is thick and dark
• not perspiring, even when dancing
• heart rate or pulse not slowing down even when resting
• fainting, collapsing or convulsing (having fits).

If these symptoms start, then:

• stop dancing
• tell a friend and ask them to stay with you until you feel better
• ask your friend to get some cold water, and sip it slowly
• splash cold water onto your skin
• rest in the ‘chill out’ room or in a quiet, cool area
• fan your body or get your friend to do it.

If symptoms persist and your body doesn’t cool down, go to the first aid area of the venue or get to a hospital immediately.

Guidelines for safer dancing

• Sip water regularly rather than drink a lot all at once.
• If dancing, sip a total of around 500ml an hour; if inactive sip up to 250ml an hour.
• Wear light, loose clothing
• Take regular rests from dancing (15 minutes after every hour of dancing)
• Check that your body has cooled down, your breathing and heart rate are back to normal, and that you are feeling well.

For tips on how to reduce the risks of using ecstasy, call the alcohol and drug information service in your State or Territory. There is no safe level of drug use.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Most drugs cross the placenta, and therefore have some effect on the unborn child. There is only limited research on the specific effects of using ecstasy during pregnancy. However, there is potential to harm the child, especially if ecstasy is combined with other drugs. It is possible that miscarriage can result from using ecstasy.

Ecstasy and the law

Ecstasy is illegal in Australia. There are penalties for possessing, using, making or selling ecstasy.

What to do in a crisis

If someone overdoses or has an adverse reaction while using ecstasy, it is very important that they receive professional help as soon as possible. Quick responses can save lives.

• Call an ambulance. Dial 000.
• Stay with the person until the ambulance arrives.
• Ensure the person has adequate air, by keeping crowds back and opening windows. Loosen tight clothing.
• If the person is unconscious, don’t leave them on their back — they could choke.
• If breathing has stopped, give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If there is no pulse, apply CPR.
• Provide the ambulance officers with as much information as you can—what drugs were taken, how long ago, and any pre-existing medical conditions.
• Before using ecstasy, make sure you and your friends know what to do in a crisis.

Where to get help

If a person is concerned about their ecstasy use, they need to be encouraged to get help from their local Aboriginal Health Service, their doctor or from a drug and alcohol service. Family and friends who are concerned about someone they care about can also get information and support from these places:

• Direct Line; Phone: 1800 888 236
• Family Drug Help; Phone: 1300 660 068
• Youth Substance Abuse Service (YSAS); Phone: 1800 014 446; Website: www.ysas.org.au
  Drug and alcohol services for people aged between 12 and 21 who are experiencing significant problems related to their drug use.
• Alcoholism and Drug Treatment Centre Moreland Hall; Phone: 9386 2876.

This information has been adapted from the How Drugs Affect You: Ecstasy pamphlet produced by the Australian Drug Foundation. For copies of this pamphlet phone 1300 85 85 84 or email druginfo@adf.org.au ( Victoria only), or go to our online shop catalogue (review copies are available).