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Ecstasy

MDMA is the abbreviation for 3-4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, the chemical we popularly call ECSTASY.

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What is ecstasy or MDMA ?

MDMA is the abbreviation of 3-4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine , the chemical substance popularly called ECSTASY, it possesses “entactogenic” stimulant psychoactive effects ; It acts mainly on the emotional sphere, inducing deep feelings of well -being, self-acceptance and sensitive closeness to others . Consumers report the appearance of euphoria , loquacity , disinhibition , joy , relaxation , sensuality and carefree .

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A series of alterations also appear, mainly in perception, at the visual , auditory , tactile and temporal level (loss of notion of time) , although it is not possible to speak of hallucinations, but they usually correspond to illusions . Like other amphetamine derivatives, it has anorectic effects (suppression of hunger).

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For recommendations for before, during and after ecstasy use, click here.

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How does ecstasy or MDMA affect the brain?

The mechanism of action of MDMA is complex and not fully understood. It is known to be very similar, on a molecular level, to amphetamine. Both substances act on serotonergic , noradrenergic and dopaminergic endings (MDMA mainly on serotonergic ones).

The administration of a dose of MDMA produces an acute release of the neurotransmitter into the synaptic space, increasing the concentrations of serotonin , but also those of dopamine and norepinephrine .

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The emotional and social effects of MDMA are probably caused, directly or indirectly, by the release of large amounts of serotonin . The feeling of pleasure is derived from the release of dopamine . These neurotransmitters trigger the release of the hormones oxytocin and vasopressin , which play an important role in the typical feelings of empathy and euphoria produced by ecstasy.

When should I not use ecstasy or MDMA ?

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History of physical illness

Do not consume if you have a history of cardiovascular, liver, kidney disease, hypertension, hypoglycemia, diabetes, glaucoma or you are taking antiretroviral drugs.

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History of mental illness

Do not consume if you have a history of mental illness such as psychotic, anxiety or mood disorders (depression, mania or bipolarity).

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What are the routes of administration of ecstasy or MDMA?

MDMA is commonly taken by mouth, usually in capsules or pills ; Although there is also a record of snorted consumption (through the nose), it is not recommended since it causes damage to the nasal mucosa.

Papeles

Papel secante dividido en pequeños cuadros que representan una dosis individual. La impresión que se encuentra en el papel determina el nombre del LSD que se consume, generando toda una “cultura psicodélica” alrededor de estos pedacitos de papel y el arte que llevan impreso, casi como con las tarjetas coleccionables.

Gotas

El líquido es inodoro e insaboro. Una sola gota es una dosis suficiente. Normalmente la gota de LSD es colocada en un terrón de azúcar, en un dulce o una gomita.

Gel

Esta presentación ha aparecido en los últimos años. Son pequeños geles en forma cuadrada, rectangular u ovalada que representa una dosis. Presentan un solo color uniforme en todo el gel, puede ser rojo, naranja, verde, amarillo entre otros.

Comprimidos

Esta la presentación menos frecuente y por lo regular contiene 2C-B o alguna otra Nueva Sustancia Psicoactiva. Puede ser en forma rectangular y con una consistencia porosa o una pastilla sin estampado.

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What is the safe dose of ecstasy or MDMA ? And how often can it be consumed to reduce risks?

According to Energy Control, the risk of neurotoxicity from ecstasy consumption is associated with habitual consumption of more than once in an average of 30 - 40 days .

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It is not recommended to consume doses greater than 175mg in a period of 6 weeks

Not more than 80 doses throughout life.

If the substance is not known, it is recommended to dose it by dividing it into 4 or 2 parts, consume a first dose and after 1 hour consider whether you want to consume a little more. If the substance is already known, it is recommended to take a single dose.

Umbral

25 µg

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What if I regularly use ecstasy or MDMA?

Inicio

0 a 60 min

 

Ligera pérdida de coordinación, las extremidades pueden sentirse entumidas y aumento en la percepción de colores y sonidos. Comienza una susceptibilidad emocional.

Climax

1 a 3 horas

 

Alteraciones importantes en la percepción, principalmente a nivel visual. Mayor sensibilidad a los estímulos periféricos. Alteración de la percepción del tiempo y espacio. Aumento en la distorsión de pensamientos introspectivos fuertes.

Oleadas

3 a 6 horas

Se mantiene la alteración a nivel visual y sonora, por momentos aumenta y por momentos baja la intensidad. Continúan pensamientos interpersonales que pueden ocasionar ansiedad o paranoia por la duración.  

Bajon

7 a 12 horas

Se mantienen los efectos hasta que la persona duerme. La intensidad en la distorsión de los sentidos disminuye. Los cambios en el comportamiento interpersonal disminuyen y se regresa a un estado basal de pensamientos. 

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What are the long-term effects of using ecstasy or MDMA ?

Administration in animals at high or repeated doses produces a reduction in the concentration of serotonin . It has been possible to demonstrate an alteration of the axons (nerve endings responsible for transmitting messages from neura to neuron) in serotonergic neurons showing a very important impoverishment in some brain areas.

These lesions appear reversible, but the regenerated axons are structurally abnormal . This is related to a possible increase in the presence of psychiatric pathology in ecstasy users, but the data are scarce and not entirely conclusive.

Some studies report the appearance of psychiatric disorders after the use of ecstasy, such as depression , psychotic disorders, cognitive disorders , bulimic episodes , difficulty with impulse control , panic attacks and social phobia . Recreational use of ecstasy has also been associated with certain memory deficits.

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How long does it take for ecstasy or MDMA to leave my body?

There is scientific evidence of traces in saliva up to 10 hours after consumption of an average dose; in urine and blood it may take up to 48 hours to be eliminated and in hair and nails up to 10 days. This may vary depending on the purity of the substance, the person's substance use pattern, their weight and height, their metabolism, and hydration and nutrition before, during and after consumption.

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Can I develop an addiction to ecstasy or MDMA ?

So far there is no scientific evidence to show that a person can be addicted to ecstasy since dependence symptoms such as withdrawal symptoms are not recorded when they stop consuming, however, some consumers prefer to stop consuming, arguing that repeated use produces a decrease in the pleasant effects and an increase in the unpleasant effects, which means that there is an increase in the body's tolerance to the substance , which also increases the possibility of poisoning if high doses are consumed to achieve the same effects .

Although there is no evidence of physical dependence on ecstasy, it can happen that the person has strong desires to consume, especially because of the reinforcement of the consumption situations that are usually partying and with friends.

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