Some ecstasy TRUTHS for whoever may be interested...

[IGotTheCottons]

Well, seeing as how we get a lot of questions regarding MDMA (Ecstacy) in these forums, I thought it'd be cool to post some facts about the drug so when the questions arise, we can point the people in the right direction... So here goes...

This is copied from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methyle...ethamphetamine

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine), most commonly known today by the street name ecstasy (often abbreviated to E, X, or XTC) is a semisynthetic entactogen of the phenethylamine family, whose primary effect is believed to be the stimulation of secretion—as well as inhibition of re-uptake—of large amounts of serotonin, as well as dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, inducing a general sense of openness, empathy, energy, euphoria, and well-being. Tactile sensations are enhanced for some users, making physical contact with others more pleasurable. Contrary to popular belief, MDMA does not necessarily produce aphrodisiac effects. Its reported ability to facilitate self-examination with reduced fear may prove useful in some therapeutic settings, leading in 2001 to permission from the United States FDA for testing in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder in conjunction with psychotherapy. A parallel similar study is currently underway in Switzerland which should finish in 2008.[6] MDMA has been classed in an entirely new category of drug action as an "empathogen" and/or an "entactogen".[7][8]

Hypertension is a risk factor given the increased cardiac load experienced while under the effects. The effects of long-term use in humans are debatable and the subject of much controversy, particularly with regard to the risks of severe long-term depression as a result of a reduction in the natural production of serotonin. Excessive, constant, or heavy use would likely cause mild to moderate damage to certain areas of the nervous system, as does excessive alcohol use. Light or moderate responsible use would likely cause either mild effects or no harm, especially when combined with neuroprotectants, for example when used in studies in responsible doses (e.g. 75–150 mg)—no harm is expected for the volunteers, even without neuroprotective regimes (e.g. high vitamin/mineral/antioxidant intake). Addictive personality types have been known to abuse the drug as would be expected with alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs, yet a UK study showed fewer harmful addictive effects than from these. The chief executive of the UK Medical Research Council stated MDMA was "on the bottom of the scale of harm", and the Science & Technology Committee rated it of lower concern than for alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis, believing it should be changed to less harmful category B, while at the same time found methamphetamine should be scheduled up to the most harmful category A.<sup id="_ref-0" class="reference">[1]</sup>

Between 10 to 100 people die each year in the US with MDMA in the blood samples (usually 10 or fewer with just MDMA and nothing else). One of the most common ways in which people have died from taking ecstacy is from overheating, or not drinking enough water, a risk that is much greater when MDMA is used in combination with alcohol, (according to the American government, alcohol by itself is responsible for over 81,000 deaths per year in the US through various means, tobacco over 440,000 each year)<sup id="_ref-1" class="reference">[2]</sup> . The combined effects of dancing, alcohol, and MDMA heavily dehydrate the user & cause overheating while stimulatory effects mask these signs and give the user energy to continue far past normal capacities. Dehydration is a risk among users who are physically active (such as dancing for an extended period of time at a night club or rave) and forget to drink adequate fluid, as the drug may mask one's normal sense of exhaustion and thirst, yet drinking very large excessive quantities can be dangerous as well. The fatalities typically occurr with those taking more than the recommended dose of 100mg(female), 125mg(male), sometimes with very high blood levels up to 40 times the typical recreational dose.

[IGotTheCottons]

This taken from: http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/mdma/mdma_health.shtml

<center> MDMA Health
by Erowid
</center> <hr>
CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Do not take MDMA if you are currently taking prescription MAOIs. MAOIs are most commonly found in the prescription anti-depressants Nardil (phenelzine), Parnate (tranylcypromine), Marplan (isocarboxazid), Eldepryl (l-deprenyl), and Aurorix / Manerix (moclobemide). Ayahuasca also contains MAOIs (harmine and harmaline). MDMA and MAOIs are a potentially dangerous combination.
• Avoid taking MDMA if you are currently using the protease inhibitor Ritonavir. This may be a life-threatening combination.
• Individuals with a history of heart ailments, high blood pressure, aneurism or stroke, glaucoma, hepatic (liver) or renal (kidney) disorders, or hypoglycemia may be at higher risk. Special consideration should be taken when combining MDMA & Viagra.
• Avoid other strong stimulants in combination with MDMA.
• MDMA use can exacerbate depression in some users and cause depressions with heavy or frequent use.
• MDMA use can cause severe crashes and hangovers in some users.
• Avoid high doses and frequent use. Over the last 15 years, many studies have shown that the higher the dose and more frequent the use, the worse the long term after-effects may be.
• A small percentage of users seem to react with extreme sensitivity to MDMA and experience overly strong effects at normal doses. Although it was previously speculated that sensitivity was related to the liver enzyme CYP-2D6, there is mounting evidence that CYP-2D6 does not play a critical role in sensitivity or adverse reactions. See the CYP-2D6 & MDMA Pharmacology Page.
• Overheating: MDMA use can lead to hyperthermia (overheating) especially in those who are exerting themselves for long periods of time. It is important for users to pay attention to their bodies and make sure they aren't overheating. Take breaks from dancing. Step outside for a moment if the temperature in the room is high. Make sure to drink enough, but not too much, water.
• Hyponatremia / Water Intoxication: Some ecstasy users overreact to the overheating and dehydration issue by obsessively over-drinking. When drinking large amounts of water it's important to mix in sports drinks or salty snacks to avoid the very real dangers of hyponatremia (low salt), which can cause serious health problems including death. MDMA can cause changes in the body's diuretic hormone, leading to much higher susceptibility to hyponatremia. Drink water, but don't drink too much.
• Neurotoxicity: Risk of long term changes to serotonin increases with dose and frequency of use. Controversial.

PURITY ISSUES:
One of the primary problems with MDMA is the low quality of the material sold on the street to recreational users. Tablets of street "ecstasy" frequently contain an assortment of psychoactive substances, either mixed with MDMA, or in place of it, or may contain no active ingredients at all. Other substances found in street ecstasy include MDA, MDE, PMA, caffeine, ephedrine, amphetamines, DXM, and occasionally DOB.

Caffeine, ephedrine, and amphetamines will produce less empathic effects than MDMA with more stimulation and feelings of restlessness. MDA and MDE are both similar in effects to MDMA and it may be difficult for even experienced users to distinguish between them. MDE is slightly shorter in duration than MDMA and generally has a lower peak and less euphoria than MDMA. MDA lasts longer and generally produces more visuals and psychedelic effects than MDMA. The effects of DXM, which has become more common in street ecstasy, can be extremely unpleasant if you're not expecting them: strong disorientation, dizziness, nausea, grogginess or strong sedation, and at high enough doses, dissociation from the body.

For further information on the contents of laboratory tested Ecstasy pills...see EcstasyData.org or Ecstasy.org.


DEATHS:
List of MDMA-Related Death Case Reports, TheDEA.org

<hr>
DEPRESSION:

• Ecstasy may unearth hidden depression - Feb 24 2006

<hr> Last Modified - Fri, Jul 7, 2006

[IGotTheCottons]

Taken from: http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/mdma/mdma_effects.shtml

MDMA
Effects
by Erowid

<!-- end title-section --> DURATION #
Caution : Reactions and experiences may vary dramatically from person to person. [see below]
<table class="duration-surround" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td> <table class="duration-summary" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr><td colspan="2">MDMA Duration
</td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2">Oral
</td></tr> <tr><td class="col1">Total Duration
</td><td class="col2">3 - 5 hrs
</td></tr> <tr><td class="col1">Onset
</td><td class="col2">20 - 90 mins
</td></tr> <tr><td class="col1">Coming Up
</td><td class="col2">5 - 20 mins
</td></tr> <tr><td class="col1">Plateau
</td><td class="col2">2 - 3 hrs
</td></tr> <tr><td class="col1">Coming Down
</td><td class="col2">1 - 2 hrs
</td></tr> <tr><td class="col1">
</td><td class="col2">
</td></tr> <tr><td class="col1">After Effects
</td><td class="col2">2 - 24 hrs
</td></tr> <tr><td class="col1">Hangover / Day After
</td><td class="col2">- - -
</td></tr> </tbody></table> </td><td class="table-spacer-h"> </td><td valign="top"> </td></tr></tbody></table>
<!-- end effects-duration --> EFFECTS LIST #
POSITIVE

• extreme mood lift
• increased willingness to communicate
• increase in energy (stimulation)
• ego softening
• feelings of comfort, belonging, and closeness to others
• feelings of love and empathy
• forgiveness
• increased awareness & appreciation of music
• increased awareness of senses. (eating, drinking, smell)
• profound life-changing spiritual experiences
• neurotically based fear dissolution
• sensations bright and intense
• urge to hug and kiss people

<!-- end effects-list-positive --> NEUTRAL

• appetite loss
• visual distortion
• rapid, involuntary eye jiggling (nystagmus)
• mild visual hallucinations (uncommon)
• moderately increased heart rate and blood pressure (increases with dose)
• restlessness, nervousness, shivering
• change in body temperature regulation
• upwellings of unexpected emotion, emotional lability
• strong desire to do or want more when coming down

<!-- end effects-list-neutral --> NEGATIVE

• (negative side effects increase with higher doses and frequent use)
• inappropriate and/or unintended emotional bonding
• tendency to say things you might feel uncomfortable about later
• mild to extreme jaw clenching (trisma), tongue and cheek chewing, and teeth grinding (bruxia)
• difficulty concentrating & problems with activities requiring linear focus
• short-term memory scramble or loss & confusion
• muscle tension
• erectile disfunction and difficulty reaching orgasm
• increase in body temperature, hyperthermia, dehydration (drink water)
• hyponatremia (don't drink too much water)
• nausea and vomiting
• headaches, dizziness, loss of balance, and vertigo
• sadness on coming down, sense of loss or immediate nostalgia
• post-trip Crash - unpleasantly harsh comedown from the peak effect
• hangover the next day, lasting days to weeks
• mild depression and fatigue for up to a week
• severe depression and/or fatigue (uncommon)
• possible strong urge to repeat the experience, though not physically addictive
• possible psychological crisis requiring hospitalization (psychotic episodes, severe panic attacks, etc) (rare)
• possible liver toxicity (rare)
• possible neurotoxicity (controversial)
• small risk of death. Approximately 2 per 100,000 users have extreme negative reactions resulting in death. (rare)

<!-- end effects-list-negative -->
<!-- end effects-list --> DESCRIPTION #
Some people are considerably more sensitive to MDMA than others. Those using MDMA for the first time or using material of an unknown purity and strength should be extremely careful.


<!-- end effects-text -->
<!-- end effects-description --> CAUTION & DISCLAIMER #
Erowid's effects information is a summary of data gathered from users, research, and other resources. This information is intended to describe the range of effects people report experiencing. Effects may vary dramatically from one person to another based on a variety of factors such as body chemistry, age, gender, physical health etc.


<!-- end effects-text -->
<!-- end effects-caution -->
<!-- end content-section --> RELATED RESOURCES #
RELATED LINKS #
The MDMA Hangover
MDMA Side Effects Profile
Loss of MDMA Magic
User Comments on the Loss of Magic
MDMA Health

[IGotTheCottons]

Taken from: http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/mdma/mdma_basics.shtml

<center> MDMA Basics
by Erowid

</center> <hr>
<table border="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td valign="top"> DESCRIPTION
MDMA, or 'ecstasy' is a 'psychedelic amphetamine' that has gained popularity over the past 20 years because of its ability to produce strong feelings of comfort, empathy, and connection to others. It most frequently comes in tablet form, although it is occasionally sold in capsules or as powder. It is most frequently used orally and rarely snorted. MDMA use is closely tied to the underground rave (and dance club) scene throughout the world, but has also been widely used by therapists as an adjunct to psychotherapy.

</td><th valign="top" width="30%">
MDMA IMAGES </th></tr><tr><td colspan="2"> Because MDMA is so popular and because it goes well with dance parties, the demand for it usually exceeds supply--especially at any given location on any given night. This creates an opening for unscrupulous individuals to sell virtually anything as 'ecstasy'. While 'ecstasy' is the popular name for MDMA, the functional definition of ecstasy is any pill represented as MDMA on the street. Ecstasy pills are notoriously unreliable in content, more so than most other street drugs, and commonly contain either caffeine, ephedrine, amphetamines, MDA, MDE, DXM, or--in rare cases--DOB, and don't necessarily contain MDMA or any psychoactive. This problem has led to the development of simple MDMA testing kits that may help give the user a general sense of the content of a pill.
[ Main MDMA Vault ]

</td></tr></tbody></table>

Dose
A standard oral dose of MDMA is between 80 - 150 mg. Most good quality pills contain somewhere in this range, generally 80-120 mg. A large percentage of users find that, unlike with many other psychoactives such as LSD or mushrooms, there is a 'sweet spot' in MDMA dosage. Once this spot is found, higher dosages are not particularly desirable as they don't increase the sought after effects or duration.

Price
The price of MDMA varies wildly depending on where it's purchased and in what quantity. A single tablet bought at a rave can cost as much as $50 though more commonly $10-$25. Purchased in higher quantities MDMA generally sells for $100-$250 per gram (about $10-25 per dose), with wholesale prices as low as $50 per gram.

Law
MDMA is illegal in the United States (Schedule I) and in most other countries. It is also listed as Schedule I in the International Convention on Psychotropic Substances, an international drug control treaty.

Chemistry
3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine (MDMA) is a synthetic chemical that can be derived from an essential oil of the sassafras tree.

History
MDMA was first synthesized in the 1890s and later patented by Merck pharmaceuticals on December 24, 1912, but it wasn't until the mid 1970s that articles related to its psychoactivity began showing up in scholarly journals. In the late '70s and early '80s MDMA was used as a psychotherapeutic tool and also started to become available on the street. Its growing popularity led to it being made illegal in the United States in 1985 and its popularity has continued to increase since then.

Slang
The Substance : MDMA, ecstasy, X, XTC, E, M, adam, bean, roll,
The Experience : X-ing, rolling, tripping, wigging

EFFECTS

Onset
Depending on how much and how recently one has eaten, MDMA generally takes 30-60 minutes (although sometimes as long as 2 hours) to take effect. Unlike with many other psychoactives, the onset of MDMA is very quick. Often at the point one realizes that perhaps they are starting to notice effects, they are already 'launching' quickly towards the peak. This quick and extremely sharp 'launch' can be unnerving, feeling a bit like it's too quick and hard to know when it's going to end, but the feeling generally only lasts a few minutes until the full effects are reached.

Duration
The primary effects of MDMA last approximately 3-4 hours when taken orally. For many people there is an additional period of time (2-6 hrs) where it is difficult to go to sleep and there is definitely a noticeable difference from everyday reality, but which is not strong enough to be considered 'tripping'. Many people also experience a noticeable shift in mood for several days after use; for some this is a period of depression while others experience lifted mood.

The Experience
When the full effects of MDMA manifest, barring an uncommon negative reaction, users are likely to find that suddenly everything is right with the world. The primary effects sought by those using MDMA recreationally are the emotional openness, euphoria, stimulation, reduction of critical and cynical thoughts, and decrease of inhibitions that can accompany its use. MDMA is used by some individuals in a therapeutic setting to attempt to work through difficult interpersonal issues. Although MDMA can cause nystagmus (eye wiggles), most individuals experience few prominent open or closed eye visuals. A small percentage of users report significant visual distortions.

The Crash
Some users of MDMA experience a dramatic worsening of mood as the peak effects wear off, often called the "crash". This is often the result of coming down from a wonderful experience, not wanting the feelings to go away, and being sad, scared, or annoyed afterwards. Crashes do not happen after every experience and some users never experience them. One of the primary problems associated with crashing is that some users find themselves redosing in order to stave it off.

Hangover and the Week After
Many users report feeling extremely drained the day after MDMA use. This 'day after' effect means for many MDMA users that they need to plan 2 days for the experience: one for the peak experience and one recovery day, with very little planned. Many users also experience some level of post-MDMA depression, often starting on the second day after the experience and lasting for up to 5 days. A small percentage of users report depressive symptoms for weeks afterwards. Alternately, some users report feeling better than normal for a week or so after taking MDMA. The negative after-effects of taking MDMA appear to be worse with higher frequencies of use, higher dosages, and perhaps total lifetime usage.

PROBLEMS
One of the primary problems with MDMA is the low quality of street ecstasy. Street ecstasy, especially pressed pills, is often mixed with a wide variety of adulterants that can cause a variety of negative side effects both unpleasant and dangerous. MDMA is a known neurotoxin, but how damaging it is to use is very controversial and quite complex.

Negative effects can include overheating, nausea, vomiting, jaw-clenching, eye-twitching, and dizziness, as well as depression and fatigue in following days. After frequent or heavy use, some users report bouts of dizziness or vertigo which gradually subside after cessation of use. There have been problems with MDMA users experiencing dehydration, hyperthermia, hyponatremia, exhaustion, blackouts, and a few cases of death generally while using MDMA at clubs or raves. MDMA users would be wise to drink water and take occasional breaks.

Another possible difficult situation arising from MDMA use is the release of emotions which one may be unprepared to deal with. This could include confronting past episode of abuse, re-experiencing painful memories, encountering emotional crises, or unearthing previously unrecognized feelings either alone or while in conversation with friends and loved ones. In these situations, therapists suggest one should try to remain calm and avoid fighting the feelings. Find a supportive friend and a safe, comfortable space to sit while working through the feelings. If at all possible, try to find support among friends as emergency rooms are poorly equipped to handle emotional crises.

Addiction Potential
MDMA has the potential to be psychologically addicting. Individuals who use it regularly may find they have an increased desire to continue using it. There is a short period of tolerance after MDMA use. Using MDMA two days in a row is likely to lead to a greatly diminished experience the second day, though spaced 7 or more days apart, this effect is lessened. Some users report noticing reduced effects for up to 2 or 3 weeks after initial use.

"Loss of Magic"
Many users report that their enjoyment of MDMA seems to decrease as total lifetime usage increases. Some users report that E 'loses its magic' with as few as 10 experiences, while others have reported hundreds of uses before the empathic qualities fades or disappears.

Increased Negative Effects
Most users stop taking E because of either an increased awareness or an actual increase in negative side effects during use, a reduced quality of the high, and increases in the post-MDMA depression and day after hangover.

Increasing Dosage
Most users report that when using more than once a month, or merely over increased total lifetime use, they need to increase the dosage in order to get positive effects with MDMA. Increased dosage is associated with increased side effects, hangover, and week-after depression.

Neurotoxicity
There is an ongoing debate about the possible neurotoxicity of MDMA. Most experts now agree that MDMA is neurotoxic, but there is little agreement on what the consequences of this toxicity are. Alcohol is also a neurotoxin, for instance, as are many other medications. There is some evidence of changes to the brain in those who use MDMA heavily and/or frequently and a few studies have shown reductions in memory & increases in depression and anxiety, but these studies have not been completely verified and debate continues. This is a very complicated issue.

Contraindications
Do not take MDMA if you are currently taking an MAOI. MAOIs are most commonly found in the prescription anti-depressants Nardil (phenelzine), Parnate (tranylcypromine), Marplan (isocarboxazid), Eldepryl (l-deprenyl), and Aurorex or Manerix (moclobemide). Ayahuasca also contains MAOIs (harmine and harmaline). MDMA and MAOIs are a potentially dangerous combination. Check with your doctor if you are not sure whether your prescription medication is an MAOI.

Avoid taking MDMA if you are currently using the protease inhibitor Ritonavir. This may be a life-threatening combination.

Individuals with a history of heart ailments, high blood pressure, aneurysm or stroke, glaucoma, hepatic (liver) or renal (kidney) disorders, or hypoglycemia may be at higher risk.

Avoid strong stimulants in combination with MDMA.

Avoid high doses and frequent use. Recent studies suggest that the heavier and more frequent the use, the more concerning the long term after-effects may be.

A small percentage (1-10% depending on race & family history) are "slow metabolizers", who have low levels of a liver enzyme (P450 2D6) which metabolizes many drugs, including MDMA (as well as Prozac, DXM, and many other pharmaceuticals). These people may be more sensitive to MDMA, might require lower doses, and should be cautious.

<hr> <table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td width="35%">Last Modified - Fri, Jul 7, 2006</td> <td align="right" width="35%">Created 2/10/00 by Erowid</td></tr></tbody></table>

[IGotTheCottons]

just bumpin it up a bit... didn't want this to get buried...

[J_Bone]

i like extacy but it is not as good as cocaine

[Smokentoke420]

Originally Posted by J_Bone

i like extacy but it is not as good as cocaine

Your trippin mayne, Thizz iz wat it iz!

[blackdahlia515]

coke aint that good dude, spend all your money and have fun for 20 minutes. LSD is whats up man.

[RuffRat]

I love E, its great fun. We call em sweets, as when you buy em from the guy i know, he wrap's them up like this:

[TheRiz]

I thought the MDMA + Viagra thing was pretty interesting, which makes me ask, has anyone tried smoking the herb then poppin some viagra for a nice long night of fuckin?

I am only 22 so I don't have erectile problems (I couldn't even imagine that), but even so has anyone tried Viagra, or like half a tablet, with or without weed at a young age? Just interested to see if it makes you like super horny or if is there an increased possibility of an erection lasting way too long...