Ecstasy: effects on the body
The effects of any drug (including ecstasy) can vary from person to person. Because ecstasy is commonly taken prior to, or during, dance or ‘rave’ parties, the stimulant effects are likely to increase. Hence, the person taking the drug may be more prone to prolonged and vigorous dancing, further exacerbating some of the dangers listed below.
People having any of the following conditions put themselves at greater risk of physical and psychological harm by taking ecstasy: hypertension; heart disease; diabetes; liver problems; epilepsy; and a history of mental illness or panic attacks.
The effects of ecstasy usually begin within 20 minutes of taking the drug, and may last up to 6 hours. Some people have reported symptoms persisting for 32 hours after using ecstasy.
There are usually three phases:
- coming up: where the effects can be smooth and bumpy, and users may feel a rush;
- plateau: where the user may feel good, happy, relaxed; and
- coming down: where the user may feel physically exhausted, depressed, irritable.
Immediate effects
Many people have experienced the following effects soon after taking ecstasy:
- increase in confidence;
- feelings of well-being;
- feelings of closeness to others, hence the term ‘love drug’;
- anxiety;
- dilated pupils;
- jaw clenching, teeth grinding;
- increase in heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure;
- nausea;
- loss of appetite; and
- sweating.
Higher doses
Higher quantities don't appear to enhance the desirable effects and may cause:
- convulsions (fits);
- vomiting;
- floating sensations;
- irrational or bizarre behaviour; or
- hallucinations.
Overdose
Overdose from ecstasy can occur. It is usually characterised by very high body temperature and blood pressure, hallucinations and an elevated heartbeat. This is especially dangerous for those who have an existing heart condition or breathing problems, and for people with depression or other psychological disorder.
Death
Although it is difficult to determine the exact number of ecstasy-related deaths that have occurred, the toxic effects of ecstasy that can lead to death include the following.
- Heart attack.
- Brain haemorrhage.
- Blood clotting.
- Kidney failure.
- Overheating: the combination of taking ecstasy with prolonged and vigorous dancing raises the body temperature to dangerous levels. Because it is often taken in hot, humid venues the risk of death by overheating (hyperthermia) is further increased.
- Drinking too much: several deaths have occurred from dilutional hyponatremia — a condition whereby a person’s brain swells from excess fluid intake, inducing a coma.
Long-term effects
Research indicates that few people tend to use ecstasy for a long time. This is possibly due to the severity of undesirable effects, which tend to increase the longer ecstasy use continues, while the pleasurable effects diminish. A person taking ecstasy regularly may find that they are not eating or sleeping enough and are neglecting their health. They may become ‘run down’, have reduced energy levels and be more susceptible to colds, 'flu and infections.
Currently, much research is being undertaken to investigate the effects of ecstasy on the brain. There is limited evidence suggesting that ecstasy causes damage to some parts of the brain.
For more information, please click on the Australian Drug Foundation's DrugInfo Clearinghouse web site link below.
Last Reviewed: 20 September 2006
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