The nickname “Molly” is short for “molecular.” It often refers to the drug’s powder form, which some people sell as capsules. Licensed medical professionals review material we publish on our site. The material ecstasy: what to know is not a substitute for qualified medical diagnoses, treatment, or advice.
What Is Molly Made Out Of?
The onset of effects from tablets takes anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes. Acute side effects can include involuntary jaw clenching (bruxism), increased heart rate and blood pressure, muscle tension, tremors, nausea, and sweating. MDMA can also cause hyperthermia, a dangerous rise in body temperature, especially in warm environments or with physical activity. After the effects wear off, individuals may experience a “comedown” characterized by fatigue and mood disturbances like depression, anxiety, and trouble concentrating. MDMA (an abbreviation of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), also called “Molly” or “Ecstasy,” is a lab-made (synthetic) drug that has effects similar to stimulants like methamphetamine.
Users who are mixing substances or have a serious problem tend to start with medically-supervised drug detox. Those who don’t require detox services usually move straight into inpatient rehab. Though ecstasy, also called molly, is supposed to be a pure form of MDMA, that’s no longer the case. Ecstasy pills are often made from a variety of substances and some may not contain any MDMA at all. Drugs marketed as ecstasy may contain methamphetamine, cocaine, LSD, or more.
When ecstasy first hit the dance scene, a pill typically cost £25. Today, prices have fallen to as low as £5, depending on the quantity of pills bought and their quality 9. MDMA powder, considered to be a better quality product has been more expensive, selling at between £30 – £50/gm. However, due to the number of different labs and different processes that produce MDMA, appearance is very varied and the product sold in the UK is as likely to be tan/amber coloured. MDMA powder is compressed in to tablets, which may come in a wide variety of colours and shapes, and with a wide range of logos. Ecstasy tablets may be any colour, and are generally embossed with a logo or design such as a butterfly, heart, lightning bolt, star, clover, or Zodiac sign.
- In reality, though the drug causes a massive buildup and release of dopamine while the user is high, this leads to a depletion of dopamine the next day.
- Taking multiple doses of pure MDMA at once, or combining it with alcohol or other illegal or prescription drugs, makes it even less safe.
- Even though safrole comes from a plant, it must be altered through chemical processes to become MDMA.
- Determining exactly how long ecstasy is detectable in the body depends on many variables, including which kind of drug test is being used.
- As long as they have the necessary equipment and supplies, most chemists are capable of producing the drug.
How to Get Help for Ecstasy Abuse
Some research indicates that MDMA can damage brain cells, memory, and the ability to learn and feel pleasure. MDMA use can trigger depression, anxiety, and — in rare cases — psychosis. Experts have called for more studies on MDMA’s lasting effects on the brain. However, studies of MDMA’s therapeutic possibilities — and lasting physical effects — are limited due to its classification as a controlled substance. MDMA is still not considered safe for recreational use or approved for medical use. MDMA is sold on the street in colorful pills — often stamped with logos or shaped into amusing patterns.
Now we’ve established what Ecstasy is, how does Molly factor into the equation? All of these bulk out the substance so that a drug dealer can increase their profit without giving up more pure Molly. The withdrawal symptoms of ecstasy remain a subject of debate among clinical researchers. In most cases, ecstasy is often abused with other drugs and often forms a part of a multi-drug cause of addiction. Some experts state that chronic ecstasy use may cause physical dependence and, therefore, withdrawal.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
A psychedelic’s effects will have large variances, depending on the individual. Timothy Leary conducted a study with 175 individuals to whom he administered psilocybin in a setting similar to a common living room. This is just one example but demonstrates how that can impact the experience and effects of a psychedelic experience. Consuming more than an appropriate dose of MDMA, can happen, but overdosing is extremely uncommon.
Medically-assisted detox is the first step in ecstasy addiction treatment. It involves getting all traces of ecstasy and other toxic substances out of the body under medical supervision. Since ecstasy is often abused with other drugs, treatment may involve addressing the effect of each substance used.
What Are the Effects of Ecstasy When Pills Contain Unknown Substances?
Most people who use ecstasy or molly experience increased energy and enhanced self-confidence, believing that everyone around them is their friend. MDMA is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the U.S. This classification signifies a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. This places MDMA in the most restrictive category, alongside substances like heroin and LSD. Psychological distress, including intense anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks, can also occur during or after MDMA use.
- Short-term effects dissipate after some time but long-term effects are more severe and may lead to lasting health problems.
- The effects of Ecstasy depend on the purity and contents of the Ecstasy pill.
- The understanding of medical uses for ecstasy is still very limited.
- More health problems tend to occur in people who take high doses of MDMA, which some experts say is anything above 150 milligrams.
Microdosing — taking a smaller dose, around 20–40 milligrams — can also produce negative side effects, particularly when the microdose is repeated within a short time frame. Using MDMA with trusted friends in a safe, familiar environment and having at least one sober person present can provide crucial support in case of an adverse reaction. Recognizing signs of overdose, such as extreme overheating, confusion, seizures, or abnormal heart rate, and seeking immediate medical help by calling emergency services is vital. All ecstasy use in Canada is considered illegal except with special permission for medical, industrial, or scientific purposes.
Ecstasy — also known as Molly, Adam, and XTC, among many other names — is a synthetic drug, meaning it is made from lab-made chemicals. It increases levels of energy, happiness, and empathetic feelings toward others but also causes negative effects, from muscle cramps to depression to heart failure. Even small doses of ecstasy can harm your mental, physical, or emotional well-being. More health problems tend to occur in people who take high doses of MDMA, which some experts say is anything above 150 milligrams. These problems may include elevations in blood pressure and body temperature. Taking multiple doses of pure MDMA at once, or combining it with alcohol or other illegal or prescription drugs, makes it even less safe.
Don’t let MDMA rob you of your health, happiness, and well-being. Rather than focusing on scare tactics or willpower, our approach helps individuals understand that the “pleasure” of MDMA use is an illusion. By shifting your mindset, we empower you to break free without feeling deprived. A personal tale of finding ayahuasca at exactly the right time, and following her lead into the jungle. The Ultimate Guide to Cannabis BioavailabilityWhat is bioavailability and how can it affect the overall efficacy of a psychedelic substance? How To Get the Most out of Taking MDMA as a CoupleTaking MDMA as a couple can lead to exciting experiences.
The neurotransmitter serotonin (or 5-HT) is synthesized in 5-HT neurons and stored in synaptic vesicles. They then release 5-HT into the synaptic cleft in response to the activation of the 5-HT neurons. 5-HT is pumped back into the neuron through the reuptake pump where it is stored in the synaptic vesicles. In September of 1976, Shulgin reported taking 16mg of MDMA and increasing doses until he reached 81mg on September 27th. Alexander Shulgin was an American chemist and pharmacologist who became well-known in the psychedelic community.