| Ecstasy is the popular name for the drug MDMA | | | | these neurotransmitters alter the person's emotional |
| (methylenedioxymethamphetamine). In common with | | | | state, causing the feelings of euphoria associated |
| most illegal drugs, when it was created it was | | | | with the drug. But after prolonged use the brain will |
| intended to be used for medical rather than | | | | take measures to counteract these abnormal levels |
| recreational purposes. In America in the 1960s it was | | | | of neurotransmitter. Part of how it does this is by |
| sometimes used by psycholanalysts to treat patients, | | | | cutting down on the number of paths the |
| as they found its affects on emotional effects | | | | neurotransmitters have for entering nerve cells. If the |
| MDMA induced could help people suffering from | | | | abuse of MDMA has been particularly frequent the |
| problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder, (in | | | | nerves responsible for producing these essential |
| particular Vietnam veterans at the time). | | | | chemicals might even die. |
| Years later, illegal MDMA became popular on the rave | | | | These changes to the brain mean that when a |
| scene as it triggered feelings of euphoria and gave | | | | person is not taking MDMA, there will be unusually |
| dancers an energy boost. By the 1990s the dangers | | | | low levels of dopamine and serotonin. Since these |
| of ecstasy had become well publicised. In the worst | | | | neurotransmitters are essential for proper brain |
| case scenario MDMA can kill, usually as a direct result | | | | function and have a large influence on mood, the side |
| of severe dehydration and overheating. Ecstasy | | | | effects of ecstasy use can include confusion, |
| tablets also pose a risk they are rarely pure and are | | | | depression and an inability to concentrate. If the |
| often mixed with other drugs like aspirin and | | | | changes to the brain are particularly significant there |
| paracetamol. But even if you take ecstasy without | | | | is also evidence that visual and spatial skills can be |
| obvious initial side effects, there are long term | | | | affected, as well as working memories. |
| implications of it use. | | | | People should be aware of the long term implications |
| In short, ecstasy causes problems in the brain if used | | | | of their actions, before indulging in recreational drug |
| regularly. MDMA elevates serotonin and dopamine in | | | | use. |
| the brain to abnormal levels. Unnaturally high levels of | | | | |