What is MDMA?

MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is an illicit drug that can give users a euphoric rush after swallowing it. It is 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 presumed main ingredient in an illicit drug called ecstasy. Ecstasy comes as a pill in a variety of colours. They are often stamped, or have logos on them. These pills might contain some MDMA or none at all. Even 2 pills that look the same might come from different sources and contain different ingredients. MDMA can also come as a powder or crystal.

MDMA (ecstasy) is also known as:

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

What are the effects of taking MDMA?

MDMA starts to work about 20 minutes after it is taken. The effects usually last for 3 to 4 hours. It can make people feel:

• euphoric
• energetic
• confident
• very affectionate towards others

People who take a lot of MDMA, or who have a strong batch, may:

• feel like they are floating
• hallucinate

It can also cause unwanted side effects, such as:

• large pupils
• clenching jaw
• grinding teeth
• tingling feeling in the limbs
• heightened senses
• sweating
• nausea or vomiting
• muscle aches and pains
• higher blood pressure and heartbeat
• reduced appetite
• anxiety and panic attacks
• paranoia
• irrational behaviour
• psychosis
• overheating and dehydration

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
• whether you take other drugs at the same time

What can go wrong with MDMA?

Coming down after taking MDMA can make users:

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

MDMA use can also cause a ‘hangover effect’, where for days after use people can experience:

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

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

Signs that someone has overdosed on MDMA include:

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

MDMA overdose can lead to a coma or death. If you think someone has overdosed on MDMA, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. Ambulance officers don’t have to call the police.

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 an overdose, bad reaction or poisoning.

Drugs sold as ecstasy may also contain a mix of drugs, including:

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

Overheating and dehydration are serious problems when using MDMA when it is hot and humid. These can be fatal (cause death); however, it is also dangerous to drink too much water after taking MDMA. People who take MDMA should:

• take regular breaks to cool down
• sip water

Can MDMA cause long-term problems?

People who use MDMA regularly can experience long term effects, such as:

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

People who already have mental health problems or a history of mental illness should not take MDMA. It could make them feel much worse.

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

Some people take cannabis (marijuana) or alcohol with MDMA to help them sleep. Taking MDMA with alcohol can increase your risk of dehydration.

Combining MDMA with other drugs or medicines can be dangerous.

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, it can increase your risk of overdose. You might also:

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

Can I become dependent on MDMA?

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

Some research also suggests that it is 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 is 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:

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

Resources and support

See 'What are the effects of taking drugs?' on the Department of Health website for more information.

Find out more about how drugs and alcohol can impact your health, including where to find help and support.

You or someone you know may be finding it hard to manage issues related to drug use.

The Symptom Checker guides you to the next appropriate healthcare step for you. This could be:

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

You can find support and more information about MDMA through:

• the Alcohol and Drug Foundation website or you can call their Drug Info and Advice Line on 1300 85 85 84
• 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 — or call them on 1800 250 015
• the Touchbase website for Australians identifying as LGBTI
• Narcotics Anonymous Australia on 1300 652 820
• Lifeline on 13 11 14

Support for injection 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 sometimes referred to as ‘needle exchange’.

The types of Needle and Syringe Programs vary, from pharmacies to vending machines.

You can also find a local Needle and Syringe Program using the healthdirect Service Finder. Select ‘By name’ and type ‘needle’ into the search bar.