MDMa is a common drug of
choice for teenagers and adult clubbers because of it effects. After just one hour a person can experience
mental stimulation that can include a general sense of well-being, lack of
anxiety, and empathy toward others. Their senses become so increased that the
smallest touch can seem exciting. The
release of large amounts of serotonin to the brain causes increased activity in
the three neurotransmitters, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Serotonin can change the mood, appetite, and
sleep of an individual. Dopamine can cause changes in the reward function of
the brain resulting in the user wanting more food and sex. Too much dopamine
can result in a degenerative disease known as Parkinson’s, which results in a
condition that causes tremors and motor impairment.
Scientific research in
lab animals connects Ecstasy use to permanent damage to brain neurons involved
with thinking, judgment, and thinking. A study of animals such as monkeys
revealed that use of Ecstasy for just four days resulted in destruction to the
nerve terminals in the serotonin region of the brain. This evidence was evident
even after six to seven years later. This test on animals of the non-human
primates suggests that it is highly probable that similar damage will occur in
human.
The drug purity is questionable due
to the fact that in all probability it is produced in backyard labs. Oftendrugs
found to be neurotoxic are added. Also, MDA, as well as (the stimulant)
ephedrine, dextromethorphan (DXM, cough suppressant that cause PCP side effects
at high doses are mixed with Ecstasy. Other drugs commonly found in the
concoction are ketamine (an anesthetic used by veterinarians during surgery
that also produces PCP symptoms); caffeine, cocaine, and methamphetamine. The use
of alcohol and marijuana further increases risk.
One of the common
withdrawal symptoms from Ecstasy is depression. Ecstasy creates a false
perception of good feelings in the world. When faced with the less enhanced
perception of senses, the user begins to perceive daily life as dull and filled
with despair.
