MDMA    ecstasy

MDMA also known as ecstasy (XTC), molly, mandy, beans, and the love drug, is both a stimulant and psychedelic that causes euphoria, heightened energy, and increased empathy (wanting to be social and connected to others). MDMA stands for Methylene-dioxy-methyl-amphetamine. MDMA is chemically similar to Mescaline (psychedelic peyote cactus), and 2c-B. All these drugs act as a stimulant and a psychedelic simultaneously which increases the level of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. These types of stimulating hallucinogens are called catecholaminergic psychedelics. High amounts of serotonin cause psychedelic effects and an increase in epinephrine or norepinephrine is responsible for the amphetamine-like energy boost. After all,  the “A” in MDMA stands for amphetamine and the huge meth energy boost applies to MDMA users. MDMA aka Molly is the pure crystal version of the drug, the word “molecular” is shortened to "molly" to express that the drug is in its pure crystal form. The term "ecstasy" refers to the unpure pill form of the drug that contains MDMA crystals as well as fillers and colors to make the pill into a shape and different bright colors. In addition to fillers, ecstasy pills are often cut with other drugs like caffeine, meth, and synthetic cathinone known as “bath salts.” Ecstasy refers to colorful pills and MDMA (Molly) is the pure crystal that is snorted, swallowed, or injected.

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          An average dose lasts about 4 hours with the strongest effects occurring about 2 hours after ingestion. On a serious note, before trying MDMA for the first time, you must be aware of the MDMA “hangover.” Hangover is in quotations because people often assume it is similar to alcohol hangover but MDMA’s after-effects are completely different. MDMA “hangover” is extremely severe compared to any other psychedelic. Since MDMA releases a very large amount of serotonin in your brain, there are extreme consequences to that. Like Issac Newton said, “What goes up must come down.” If your brain releases all of the serotonin it has, then your brain will be very depleted of serotonin when the drug wears off. Very low serotonin from an MDMA hangover causes severe depression which is characterized by thoughts of worthlessness, lack of motivation to do anything, exhaustion, and overall sadness. The MDMA comedown is particularly dangerous for those who are often depressed or anxious as the hangover will exacerbate the negative feelings you naturally have. Someone who has major depressive disorder experiencing an MDMA comedown is at extremely high risk for self-harm or suicide because of the severe lack of serotonin for the few days after the MDMA experience. The negative feelings can last anywhere from 1 to 6 days until the brain has replenished natural serotonin balance in the brain.