psychoactive (mind-altering) drug with hallucinogenic and amphetamine-like properties.

Its chemical structure (3-4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is similar to two other synthetic drugs, MDA and methamphetamine, which are known to cause brain damage.

Health hazards : Beliefs about ecstasy are reminiscent of similar claims made about LSD in the 1950s and 1960s, which proved to be untrue. According to its proponents, MDMA can make people trust each other and can break down barriers between therapists and patients, lovers, and family members.

Many problems users encounter with MDMA are similar to those found with the use of amphetamines and cocaine.

Q. What is Ecstasy? Ecstasy is a synthetic drug that acts simultaneously as a stimulant and a hallucinogen. Ecstasy is derived from methamphetamine and amphetamine and belongs to a class of drugs known as designer drugs.

Q. What are the effects of Ecstasy? Ecstasy stimulates the central nervous system and produces hallucinogenic effects.

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. Serotonin affects thinking processes, mood, sleeping and eating habits, aggressive behaviour, sexual function and sensitivity to pain.

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