MDMA is structurally related to amphetamines. One important difference between MDMA and amphetamines is the presence of the methylenedioxy group (-O-CH2-O-) attached to the aromatic ring. This attachment makes it also resemble the structure of the hallucinogen mescaline. Like amphetamines, MDMA is a synthetic substance that does not exist in nature.

What are other health effects of MDMA?

High doses of MDMA can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature. This can lead to a spike in body temperature that can occasionally result in liver, kidney, or heart failure or even death. 

In addition, because MDMA can promote trust and closeness, its use may encourage unsafe sexual behavior. This increases people’s risk of contracting or transmitting HIV/AIDS or hepatitis.

Does MDMA Have Value in Therapy?

MDMA was first used in the 1970s as an aid in psychotherapy (mental disorder treatment using “talk therapy”). The drug didn’t have the support of clinical trials (studies using humans) or approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In 1985, The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration labeled MDMA as an illegal drug with no recognized medicinal use. Some researchers remain interested in its value in psychotherapy when given to patients under carefully controlled conditions. MDMA is currently in clinical trials as a possible treatment aid for post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety in terminally ill patients, and for social anxiety in autistic adults.

How can people get treatment for addiction to MDMA?

There are no specific medical treatments for MDMA addiction. Some people seeking treatment for MDMA addiction have found behavioral therapy to be helpful. Scientists need more research to determine how effective this treatment option is for addiction to MDMA.

Similarly to amphetamines and cocaine, MDMA can exist as a free base or as salts of various acids. Unlike these drugs, however, MDMA tends not to be inhaled in its free base form. This is because the methylenedioxy group raises the boiling point of the free base so high that it becomes too difficult to use in such a manner (Shulgin, 1986).

Added Risk of MDMA

Adding to MDMA’s risks is that pills, capsules, or powders sold as Ecstasy and supposedly “pure” Molly may contain other drugs instead of or in addition to MDMA. Much of the Molly seized by the police contains additives such as cocaine, ketamine, methamphetamine, over-the-counter cough medicine, or synthetic cathinones (“bath salts”). These substances may be extremely dangerous if the person does not know what he or she is taking. They may also be dangerous when combined with MDMA. People who purposely or unknowingly combine such a mixture with other substances, such as marijuana and alcohol, may be putting themselves at even higher risk for harmful health effects.

Points to Remember

3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) is a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception. It is chemically similar to stimulants and hallucinogens.  MDMA is commonly called Ecstasy or Molly. People who use MDMA typically take it as a capsule or tablet. Many people take it in combination with other drugs. MDMA acts by increasing the activity of three brain chemicals: dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Effects include euphoria, increased energy, distorted perception, involuntary teeth clenching, dangerously high body temperature, and depression. Many people are unaware that Ecstasy and supposedly “pure” Molly also often contain not only pure MDMA but other drugs that may be particularly dangerous when mixed with MDMA. Research results vary on whether MDMA is addictive. Some people report signs of addiction. Some people seeking treatment for MDMA addiction have found behavioral therapy to be helpful. There are no specific medical treatments for MDMA addiction.

The salts are not volatile, but are quite soluble in water and thus can be administered intravenously, orally or intranasally. 'Ecstasy' tablets sold on the street do not always contain MDMA, but may contain methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA), methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA), ephedrine, ketamine or a range of other compounds (Becker, Neis, Rohrich & Zorntlein, in press; Byard, Gilbert, James & Lokan, 1998; Holden & Jackson, 1996).

Is MDMA addictive?

Research results vary on whether MDMA is addictive. Experiments have shown that animals will self-administer MDMA—an important indicator of a drug’s abuse potential—although to a lesser degree than some other drugs such as cocaine.

Some people report signs of addiction, including the following withdrawal symptoms:  fatigue, loss of appetite, depression. trouble concentrating