Ecstasy
Facts and Safety Awareness

What is Ecstasy?
Ecstasy is a street name for the drug methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Ecstasy acts as both a stimulant and hallucinogenic.
Ecstasy produces energizing effects, as well as distortions, perceptions and enhanced enjoyment from tactile experiences.
Other names
Eccy
Pills
X, E, or XTC
Beans
Candy
E-bomb
Happy Pill
Hug Drug Love Drug
Vitamin E or Vitamin X Vowels
What does it look like?
Ecstasy usually comes in the form of a tablet, in various shapes, sizes and colours (see picture above). Often, the tablets are imprinted with logos and designs from popular culture.

How is it taken?
Typically the most common way of taking ecstasy is orally by swallowing. Its effects last approximately 3 to 6 hours.
Effects of ecstasy
The effects of ecstasy vary from person to person. How ecstasy affects a person depends on many things including their size, weight and health, also whether the person is used to taking it and amount taken.
Effect of ecstasy may start to be felt within 20 mins –1 hour of use.
Symptoms Include increased confidence and energy lowered inhibitions feelings of closeness to others empathy anxiety paranoia, aggression and psychosis poor muscle control muscle aches and stiffness increased blood pressure & heart rate nausea increased body temperature dilated pupils heightened sensations (sight, hearing, touch) jaw clenching floating sensations vomiting high body temperature hallucinations irrational or bizarre behaviour

Long Term Effects
Long term effects show ecstasy can cause damage to some parts of the brain and can lead to depression.
A person taking ecstasy regularly may find that they are not eating or sleeping enough and are neglecting their health.
Help and Support
In Australia, there