MDMA
StimulantsAlso known as: Ecstasy, Molly, E, X, XTC, Mandy
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All content is written, edited, and medically reviewed by licensed professionals with expertise in addiction medicine and behavioral health.
Benjamin Zohar
NCACIP
Nationally Certified Advanced Clinical Intervention Professional and recovery advocate in long-term recovery, specializing in intervention services and treatment coordination.
Ezra Zohar, M.S.Ed.
Educational Specialist
Educational Specialist with M.S. in Secondary Education, reviewing educational content focused on addiction awareness and recovery.
Brandon McNally
RN
Registered Nurse with specialized training in addiction medicine and behavioral health nursing.
Last Updated
November 2025
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Call Helpline: (914) 594-5851What is MDMA?
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a synthetic drug that acts as both a stimulant and mild hallucinogen. It increases serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine activity in the brain, producing feelings of increased energy, emotional warmth, and distorted sensory perception.
Effects
Euphoria, increased energy, emotional warmth, empathy toward others, distorted sensory and time perception, increased heart rate, nausea, muscle tension, teeth clenching, chills, sweating
Risks & Dangers
Hyperthermia (dangerously high body temperature), dehydration, heart failure, kidney failure, serotonin syndrome, liver damage, long-term cognitive problems, depression, confusion, severe anxiety
Withdrawal Symptoms
Fatigue, loss of appetite, depression, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, insomnia
Addiction Potential
Moderate - MDMA can cause psychological dependence. Regular users may develop tolerance.
Duration
Effects typically last 3-6 hours
Legal Status
Schedule I controlled substance in the US. Illegal to possess, manufacture, or distribute.
Alcohol Interaction Warning
Mixing MDMA with alcohol can be extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Combining substances increases the risk of:
- • Respiratory depression and overdose
- • Unpredictable effects and loss of consciousness
- • Increased toxicity to liver and other organs
- • Impaired judgment leading to risky behaviors
Learn more about alcohol use disorder and polysubstance use.
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Published: July 15, 2024 • Last Updated: November 25, 2025
Medically reviewed drug information for educational purposes
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