Effects of ecstacy

 

The effects of any drug vary from person to person.  It depends on many factors including an individual's size, weight and health, how the drug is taken, how much is taken, whether the person is used to taking it, the person's mood and whether other drugs are taken.  The effects also depend on the environment in which the drug is used - for example, whether the person is alone, with others, or in a social setting.

Immediate effects

• rise in blood pressure, body temperature and pulse rate,
• increased energy, urge to dance and move about
• increased pulse, body temperature and blood pressure
• empathy, closeness to others, feeling 'loved up'
• jaw clenching, teeth grinding
• nausea and vomiting
• touch sensitivity
• strobe-like or jittery vision
• sweating
• anxiety
• dehydration

As ecstasy causes a dangerous temperature increase it is important to keep sipping water to prevent dehydration.  Water does not reduce the effect of ecstasy, it only prevents dehydration.  Drinking too much water can be dangerous: drink 250 mls per hour - up to 500 mls only if very active.

In greater quantities

• hallucinations
• irrational behaviour
• vomiting
• convulsions
• loss of appetite
• insomnia
• depression
• muscle aches
• difficulty concentration for up to a day after use

Long-term effects

• possible damage to the brain, heart and liver
• susceptibility to infections
• emotionally vulnerable