What is MDMA

MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is an illegal drug that can give you a euphoric rush (intense feeling of happiness).

It's a central nervous system stimulant which causes high levels of dopamine to be released. Dopamine is a brain chemical associated with pleasure and reward.

MDMA is the main ingredient in ecstasy. Ecstasy is usually sold as coloured pills. They often have brand logos stamped or drawn on them.

These pills might contain some MDMA or none at all. Even 2 pills that look the same might contain different ingredients. MDMA can also come as a powder or crystal.

MDMA (ecstasy) is also known as:

• bikkies
• caps
• E
• eckies
• flippers
• M&M
• molly
• pills
• pingers
• XTC

What are the effects of taking MDMA?

MDMA starts to work about 20 to 60 minutes after you take it. The effects usually last for at least 3 to 4 hours. It can make you feel:

• euphoric
• energetic
• confident
• very affectionate towards other people

If you take a lot of MDMA, or have a strong batch, you may:

• feel like you are floating
• hallucinate (see or hear things that are not real)

It can also cause unwanted effects, such as:

• sweating, overheating and dehydration
• clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth
• tingling feeling in your limbs
• large pupils
• nausea or vomiting and a reduced appetite
• muscle aches and pains
• higher blood pressure and heartbeat

It can also affect the way you feel:

• anxiety and panic attacks
• heightened senses and paranoia
• irrational behaviour
• psychosis

Do not drive if you have taken ecstasy.

MDMA can affect people differently based on:

• how much you take
• how strong it is
• your size — height and weight
• whether you are used to taking it
• what you take it with

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

The Symptom Checker can help you decide what to do next. This could be:

• self-care
• talking to a healthcare professional
• going to a hospital
• calling triple zero (000)

What can go wrong with MDMA?

'Coming down' after taking MDMA can make you:

• irritable
• anxious
• paranoid
• have trouble sleeping and concentrating

MDMA can also cause a 'hangover effect'. For days after use you might have:

• reduced appetite
• disturbed sleep
• muscle aches
• problems with concentration
• depression

Dehydration and overheating

Overheating and dehydration are serious problems when using MDMA. Dehydration is more likely when it's hot and humid, or if you are dancing.

Overheating and dehydration can be fatal (cause death). However, it's also dangerous to drink too much water after taking MDMA.

People who take MDMA should:

• take regular breaks to cool down
• sip water — drink about one cup every half hour

Overdose

It's possible to overdose on MDMA, which can be fatal (cause death).

Signs that someone has taken too much MDMA are:

• tachycardia (fast heartbeat)
• very high temperature
• agitation or anxiety
• irritability, paranoia and aggression
• confusion
• convulsions
• nausea and vomiting
• chest pain
• high blood pressure
• delirium (out of character irrational behaviour)

MDMA overdose can lead to a coma or death.

Accidental poisoning

Not all drugs sold as ecstasy contain MDMA. They may contain other drugs or 'fillers', such as household cleaning products. This can increase your chance of having a bad reaction or poisoning.

If you buy ecstasy from a new place, it may have different effects to what you think. There is no easy way to know how strong the pills are.

There are now pill testing or drug checking centres in some parts of Australia. You can use these services to find out if your pills are very strong or mixed with other things. If you know what is in the pills you take, it can help reduce harm.

The crystal form of MDMA might be purer, which makes it easier to overdose.

Pills sold as ecstasy may contain a mix of drugs, such as:

• amphetamine
• paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA)
• ketamine
• NBOMe
• synthetic cathinones

Can taking MDMA cause long-term problems?

If you use MDMA regularly, you may experience long-term effects, such as:

• problems with your memory and concentration
• depression
• high blood pressure
• cracked teeth from clenching and grinding
• liver problems
• colds or flu
• dependence

If you have mental health problems or a history of mental illness, you should not take MDMA. It could make you feel much worse.

Read more about how drugs and alcohol can impact your health.

Using or selling ecstasy is illegal. You could be fined or face other consequences.

What if I use other drugs or alcohol together with MDMA?

Combining MDMA with other drugs or medicines can be dangerous.

Taking MDMA with alcohol can increase your risk of dehydration.

Taking cannabis (marijuana) or alcohol with MDMA may make you drowsy.

Taking MDMA with other drugs can cause psychosis. It can also put strain on the body, and lead to a stroke. These drugs can include:

• ice (crystal meth)
• speed
• cocaine
• LSD (acid)

If you take MDMA while you are taking antidepressants, you may:

• become drowsy, clumsy, restless or dizzy
• feel like you are drunk

It can also increase your risk of overdose.

Can I become dependent on MDMA?

It's possible to develop a tolerance to MDMA. This means that you need to take more of the drug to achieve the same effects.

Some research suggests that it's possible for MDMA users to develop addiction. This is when you spend a lot of time thinking about the drug and trying to get it. This can impact your:

• life
• work
• relationships

It's also possible to become dependent on MDMA. Dependent users may find it difficult to stop using MDMA or control how much they use. This is often due to withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms from MDMA can include:

• not sleeping
• feeling depressed or anxious
• feeling agitated and restless
• having trouble concentrating

How can I stop using MDMA?

If you are struggling with getting off MDMA, speak to your doctor. They can help you manage withdrawal symptoms and advise you on treatment options, such as:

• counselling and therapy
• referral to an addiction specialist
• participation in support groups
• inpatient detox and rehabilitation

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

Resources and support

You can find support and more information about MDMA by contacting the organisations listed below.

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation website.

The Drug Help website or call the Alcohol Drug Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 250 015.

The Turning Point website — Australia's leading national addiction treatment, training and research centre.

The Touchbase website for Australians identifying as LGBTIQ+.

Narcotics Anonymous Australia on 1300 652 820.

Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Read 'What are the effects of taking drugs?' on the Department of Health website.

Health Translations — watch a video in multiple languages on getting help when alcohol or drug use is a problem.

Support for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people

Here are some places you can contact for support and advice.

Your Room provides information for Aboriginal people in NSW who want to manage the possible harm of drug use.

TurningPoint has an Aboriginal alcohol and drug support service based in Victoria.

The Alcohol and Other Drugs Knowledge Centre works to reduce the harms of drug use in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Communities.

Support for injecting behaviour

If you inject MDMA, you can reduce your risk of blood-borne disease by attending a needle and syringe program (NSP).

Needle and syringe programs provide clean needles or syringes to people who inject drugs. It's also called a 'needle exchange'.

Needle and syringe programs vary. They might be in a pharmacy or a vending machine.

You can also find a local needle and syringe program using the healthdirect Service Finder.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.