ADVISORY WARNING: In recent years, common MDMA substitutes have emerged, such as PMA/PMMA (“Death”). These substances are highly toxic, extremely dangerous, and easily lead to death. It is strongly recommended to avoid them.
What is MDMA?
MDMA is a synthetic substance that alters mood and perception. MDMA is also known as ecstasy or Molly. The popular nickname Molly, which is slang for molecular, often refers to the supposedly “pure” powder form of MDMA. MDMA is not classified a psychedelic in the strict scientific sense, but it is often grouped alongside psychedelics because of its therapeutic properties and potential for deep inner work.
What is the MDMA experience like?
MDMA can be consumed as a capsule or pill, swallowed as a liquid, or snorted in powder form. MDMA’s effects last anywhere from three to six hours. MDMA can produce stimulant effects such as an increase in energy and enhanced libido. Its strong effects on mood include feelings of peacefulness, acceptance, and empathy.
A brief history of MDMA
MDMA was initially synthesized by a German company in 1912 and was first utilized in psychotherapy in the 1970s. The FDA recently gave MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD a “Breakthrough Therapy” designation. Currently, many researchers continue to study MDMA’s value in psychotherapy, especially for treating PTSD and as part of couple’s therapy.
MDMA Safety
MDMA is not formally classed as a psychedelic, and interacts with different neurological systems in comparison to psychedelics. As such, it requires special attention regarding safety considerations. There are physical and psychological risks attached to the use of MDMA.
Physical safety
Physiologically, numerous adverse effects can occur after ingesting MDMA, even at lower doses. These include heightened blood pressure, nausea, increased heart rate, jaw clenching, chills, sweating, tremors, hot and cold flushes, jaw clenching, urinary urgency, hyperreflexia, nystagmus (repetitive, uncontrolled eye movements), and insomnia.
When higher doses of MDMA are consumed, the effects described above can intensify and become severe. Overdoses on MDMA can result in death, and there are many recorded cases of fatal overdoses (Rigg & Sharp, 2017). MDMA can also trigger serotonin syndrome, resulting in seizures, muscle rigidity, and other severe symptoms.
