Question Title: Ecstasy

I have a friend who has been doing ecstasy about every other week and I am trying desperately to get him to stop. I have told him that it can possibly be fatal, but I am unable to come up with any other possible effects or side effects. If I could tell him of some of the possible physical harm he is doing himself I think I might be able to get him to think twice about doing it. Thank You.

Dear Nick,

I copied the following information about Ecstasy from http://www.drugfreeamerica.org . Although some folks object to this organization's advertising campaigns, the drug information on its web site is accurate. Here's what they have to say about Ecstasy:

Ecstasy, or MDMA(methylenedioxymethamphetamine), is a synthetic drug that acts simultaneously as a stimulant and a hallucinogen. Users sometimes take Ecstasy for the sense of well-being, the sensory distortions caused by the drug, or to stay awake through an hours-long rave. It stimulates the central nervous system and produces
hallucinogenic effects. The price of Ecstasy depends on the supply and demand in the area, but usually ranges from $10 to $40 per dose.

Ecstasy has been shown to cause brain damage in animals. It depletes a very important chemical in the brain, serotonin, which affects mood, sleeping and eating habits, thinking processes, aggressive behavior,
sexual function, and sensitivity to pain. Studies with rats and monkeys have shown that the use of Ecstasy can reduce serotonin levels in the brain by 90% for at least 2 weeks.

Users who take Ecstasy at raves risk exhaustion and dehydration from a combination of the drug and non-stop dancing, and users have died from heat stroke. Ecstasy is derived from methamphetamine and amphetamine, and belongs to a class of drugs known as designer drugs. Designer drugs, especially Ecstasy, are often associated with "raves," all-night underground parties with techno music and extensive drug use. Raves are often frequented by teens and college students.

A designer drug is created by changing the molecular structure of an existing drug or drugs to create a new substance. The street names of designer drugs vary according to time, place, and manufacturer, and the names change frequently. Designer drugs are created in
clandestine laboratories and can be extremely dangerous.

NEGATIVE EFFECTS

psychiatric disturbances, including panic, anxiety, depression, and
paranoid thinking
muscle tension
nausea
blurred vision
fainting
chills
sweating
increased heart rate
increased blood pressure
tremor
hallucinations
reduced appetite
sleep problems

DrSteve

Keywords: Ecstasy, MDMA

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