Ecstacy is a synthetic drug in the amphetamine family that, according to some users, produces an initial state of disorientation followed by a rush and then a mellow, sociable feeling. Ecstacy is chemically called 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine which is similar to two other synthetic drugs: MDA and methamphetaine. Ecstacy is also referred to as “MDMA,” “ADAM,” “Essence,” and “X-TC” on the street. Ecstacy and other depressant substitutes cause nausea, blurred vision, chills or sweating, and fainting. Psychological effects include anxiety, depression, and paranoia.

What are the effects of ecstacy?

Ecstacy is a psychoactive (mind-altering) drug with amphetamine-like properties. Many of the problems users encounter are similar to those found with the use of methamphetamine and cocaine. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has reproduced MDMA to help qualified researchers conduct studies on the drug’s long-term affects and abuse potential. Some scientists suspect that ecstacy is neurotoxic. MDMA destroys nerve cells of the brain that regulate:

· Aggression

· Mood

· Sexual activity

· Sleep

· Sensitivity to pain

What are designer drugs?

Illegal drugs are defined in terms of their chemical formulas. To get around these legal restrictions, underground chemists modify the molecular structure of certain illegal drugs to produce analogs known as designer drugs. The federal government has passed certain analog laws that control all chemicals that are substantially similar to a controlled drug. When law enforcement observes a pattern of usage of any designer drug, laws are passed to halt their use. The most common types of designer drug analogs are: phencyclidine (PCP), fentanyl and meperidine (both synthetic narcotic analgesics), amphetamine and methamphetamine (which have hallucinogenic and stimulant properties). These drugs can be several hundreds times stronger than the drugs they are designed to imitate and produce much more toxic effects. As little as one dose can cause brain damage.

What are some other types of analogs?

• The drug PCP is a controlled substance. Over the past several years, PCP analogs have been identified in confiscated street samples. The analogs of PCP cause illusion, hallucinations, and impaired perception.
• Meperidine, known by the trade name of “Demerol, ® “ is a controlled narcotic. MPPP and PEPAP, two “designer drug” analogs, which are structurally similar to meperidine, have appeared on the streets. They are much more potent than meperidine. There is another impurity formed during the manufacture of MIPP, called MPTP. MPTP has caused symptoms similar to the effects of Parkinson’s disease: uncontrollable tremors, drooling, impaired speech, paralysis, and irreversible brain damage.
• There are several dozen analogs of amphetamine and methamphetamine that have some hallucinogenic effects although they are not hallucinogenic drugs. They are referred to as MDA, MDMA, “Ecstasy, “ and “ADAM.” These analogs are widely used on college campuses as euphoriants. They can produce severe neurochemical damage to the brain as well as anxiety, paranoia, and depression.

Reference Material:

· National Drug & Safety League (A non-profit charitable organization).

· Drug Recognition Evaluator Training Material (California Highway Patrol)