MDMA, also known as ecstasy or Molly, is a psychedelic stimulant that causes euphoria, lots of energy, and distorted perceptions. MDMA is primarily used as an illicit or recreational drug.

MDA, or the “love drug” known as Sally, is similar to Molly. It is known as the “love drug” because of its enhancement of empathy and overall mood. MDA is also used recreationally and can sometimes be mixed with MDMA.

Both of these drugs affect the serotonin levels in the brain and cause a wide range of side effects.

While Molly and Sally have similarities, including being labeled Schedule I drugs alongside other psychedelics such as LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin, their chemical structures are slightly different.

How Molly & Sally Are Different

Both Molly and Sally are hallucinogens, stimulants, and belong to the amphetamine class of drugs, but their effects can be different.

For instance, Molly provides a more euphoric feel while Sally lets you feel more energetic, appreciate visual stimuli, and give you a heavier, longer-lasting high.

In addition to this, they both have different chemical names. The psychotropic amphetamine derivative 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine is for MDMA while MDA is one methyl group off as 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine.

Sally is actually a synthetic entactogen and a small metabolite of Molly. The primary mode of MDMA and MDA transmission is ingestion.

Molly

Molly is known as a party drug among young adults and appeals to people because of how it feels to be on MDMA. Some of these feelings include:

feelings of closeness
enhanced enjoyment
warped sense of time and perception
sexual feelings and desires
increased empathy
increased sensitivity to touch

Side Effects

Those on MDMA may also experience adverse side effects that can include:

changes in body temperature
anxiety
confusion
nausea
paranoia
sleep disturbances
depression
cardiovascular problems
hypertension
headache
memory problems

When MDMA is combined with LSD or other drugs, overdose can occur. This is because the effects of MDMA can increase to levels of neurotoxicity. When taken in large doses, Molly can cause hyperthermia and in turn, liver or kidney damage.

Sally

MDA also goes by the name sassafras or sass. The effects of MDA are similar to MDMA, but not completely. Some of the feelings you may experience with Sally are:

affection
empathy
extreme pleasure
increased energy
excitement
euphoria
closeness
confidence

Side Effects

Partaking in the hallucinogenic MDA can have negative consequences such as:

difficulty sleeping
nausea
sweating
anxiety
clenching of the jaw
high blood pressure
poor appetite
fluctuating or fast heart rate

Using this type of drug use can cause serotonin syndrome which can be life-threatening.

The Pharmacology Of Sally & Molly

Taking Molly and Sally affects neurotransmitters in the brain and causes it to release large amounts of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. When constant drug abuse occurs, the chemicals in the brain change.

When MDMA and MDA are used together, there is loss of the serotonergic (5-HT) axons which can lead to overdose. MDA has the ability to mimic serotonin and bind to the receptors. In this way, MDA acts as a serotonin receptor agonist.

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Sources:

Drug Enforcement Administration — Drugs of Abuse

Drug Enforcement Administration — Ecstasy/MDMA Drug Fact Sheet

Drug Enforcement Administration — Ecstasy or MDMA (also known as Molly)

National Library of Medicine — 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA): current perspectives

National Library of Medicine — Ecstasy: a review of MDMA and MDA

National Library of Medicine — Effects of the Psychedelic Amphetamine MDA (3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine) in Healthy Volunteers

The Journal of Neuroscience — Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and Methylenedioxymetham- phetamine (MDMA) Cause Selective Ablation of Serotonergic Axon Terminals in Forebrain: Immunocytochemical Evidence for Neurotoxicity

US Department of Justice — What is MDMA?