MDMA, also known as Ecstasy or Molly, is a synthetic psychoactive drug that acts as both a stimulant and hallucinogen. When taken, it increases serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels which affects mood, sleep, and appetite. Common side effects include increased heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, and blurred vision. Long term, MDMA can deplete serotonin levels and cause depression, sleep problems, and drug cravings. While some debate its addictive potential, studies show MDMA targets the same neurotransmitters as other addictive drugs.

1. MDMA
(Ecstasy/Molly)
By: Amber Trudeau

2. What is it?
• Officially named 3,4-
methylenedioxy-
methamphetamine
• Popular names: Ecstasy and
Molly
• It is a synthetic, psychoactive
drug
• When taken, it can act as a
stimulant and hallucinogen

3. How it is used:
• MDMA is usually in tablet or capsule form with imprints
on the pills
• Taken orally or snorted
• The high usually lasts 3 to 6 hours
• Commonly taken with other drugs
• First became popular from raves but then spread to
other crowds

4. Did you know…
• The term “Molly” is actually slang for molecular!
• Molecular refers to the pure powder form of MDMA
o (Which is usually sold in capsule form)

5. Your Brain on MDMA
• Increase in activity and production of
serotonin, dopamine, and
norepinephrine
• This effects the person’s mood and
sometimes sleep and appetite.
• Increase of serotonin can trigger the
release of hormones that stimulate
feelings of love, trust and sexual arousal

6. MDMA’s Effects on the Body
• Similar effects when compared with other stimulants
o Increased hear t rate and blood pressure
o Muscle tension
o Teeth clenching
o Nausea
o Blurry vision
o Feeling faint
o Chills or sweating
• Problems:
o Interferes with regulation of body temperature
o Can cause liver, kidney or cardiovascular system failure and death

7. Long-term Effects:
• Depletes the brain of serotonin due to its sudden surges
• Causes negative effects:
o Confusion
o Depression
o Problems sleeping
o Craving more of the drug
o Anxiety
o Less interest in sex

8. But its not addictive…right?
• Studies cannot pinpoint an answer
• Some users have symptoms of dependence
even when they were educated about the
physical and psychological damage as well as
withdrawal effects
• Research shows that the same
neurotransmitter that is targeted by MDMA is
the same as other drugs that have been
deemed addictive

9. Think about it…
• Even though Molly is supposed to be “pure” it is often
combined with other drugs
o Ephedrine (stimulant)
o Dextromethorphan (Cough Suppressant)
o Ketamine
o Caffeine
o Cocaine
o Methamphetamine
o Bath Salts
• Since some effects include strong feelings of love and lust
many users are participating in unprotected sex
o This is a risk factor for STIs including HIV and Hepatitis!

10. Discussion Questions
• What are some things that you all have witnessed
with MDMA?
• Does this information match what you have
seen/heard?
• Do you still have further questions that have not
been answered by this presentation?

11. References
• National Institute on Drug Abuse. MDMA (Ecstasy or
Molly) Retrieved from
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/
mdma-ecstasy-or-molly on March 26, 2015