MDMA (Ecstasy) Drug Class & Schedule

3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), also known as ecstasy or molly, is a hallucinogenic party drug often used by young adults at nightclubs and raves. MDMA has an energizing effect, distorts perceptions, and amplifies sensations.

Unfortunately, this Schedule I illicit drug also has a very high potential for abuse and can lead to negative side effects.

What Type Of Drug Is Ecstasy?

MDMA is a synthetic hallucinogen and psychedelic/psychoactive drug that alters your mood, perception, and the conditions around you. It is also an amphetamine derivative which means it shares some of the same traits as amphetamine but it’s not exactly the same.

Is MDMA A Stimulant?

MDMA is also a stimulant drug, which means it increases activity in the body. Ecstasy increases the activity of three neurotransmitters in the brain and central nervous system: serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

The drug can either make the brain release more of these chemicals or stop the reuptake of them leading to increased levels. This increase is what leads to the pleasurable feelings the drug often creates.

However, by releasing so much of each neurotransmitter, the brain can become depleted and lead to negative effects after you take the drug. And these effects can last for several days.

MDMA Drug Schedule

Each drug that is classified as a controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is given a specific label or schedule number under the Controlled Substances Act.

MDMA is a controlled substance that is put under the Schedule I label. This means that it has no medical use and has a very high potential for abuse. Even under medical supervision, there is no safe level of drug use when it comes to MDMA

Heroin, LSD, and peyote are also placed under the Schedule I label.

Street Names For MDMA

While ecstasy and molly are well-known, MDMA can also go by other names as well.

Some of the street names for the drug include:

• clarity
• disco
• E
• eve
• go
• hug drug
• lover’s speed
• peace
• X
• XTC

MDMA Use And Abuse

Ecstasy is mainly used in tablet form although capsules, liquid, and powder forms are out there as well. The tablets likely have a specific logo depending on who makes the drug, and they come in all kinds of colors. Some of the tablets even look like candy.

The tablets are either swallowed whole or crushed and snorted.

Unfortunately, the synthetic drug is rarely taken on its own. It’s frequently combined with alcohol, marijuana, or even LSD.

Counterfeit Pills

Additionally, ecstasy tablets can also contain a lot more than just ecstasy. Counterfeit pills on the drug market can also contain cathinones (“bath salts”), caffeine, ephedrine, dextromethorphan, methamphetamines, ketamine, MDA, PMA, and cocaine.

These pills can lead to very serious health problems including overdose and even death.

MDMA’s Effects

While MDMA is known for distorting perceptions and increasing energy, there are also many other health effects that ecstasy use can lead to.

The effects can come on within 30-45 minutes after the use of MDMA and last up to six hours or more.

When someone takes a high dose of MDMA, the effects can become even more intense and serious.

Some adverse psychological effects may include:

• confusion
• anxiety
• depression
• increased impulsivity
• paranoia

MDMA can also affect how your body feels and functions.

It can lead to certain physical side effects that may include:

• increased motor activity
• alertness
• increased heart rate
• increased blood pressure.
• muscle tension
• tremors
• nausea
• faintness
• chills
• increased body temperature (occasionally overheating/hyperthermia)
• blurred vision

What Happens When You Stop Using Ecstasy?

After chronic use, quitting the drug may lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can make it difficult to stay off the drug and can include fatigue, trouble concentrating, loss of appetite, and depression.

Find Treatment Today

If you or a loved one struggles with MDMA addiction, drug abuse, or substance use disorder, please contact us today to learn how we can help.