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Ecstasy

(Adam, Brownies, Burgers, Clarity, Decadence, Dennis the Menace, Disco Biscuits, Doctor, Doves, E, Edward, Essence, Fantasy, Love Doves, M&Ms, New Yorkers, Rhubarb and Custard, Shamrocks, White Doves, X, XTC)

Ecstasy is a Class A drug - one of the so-called "dance drugs", because it is often used at nightclubs or raves.

What does it look like?

Ecstasy comes as brown, white or pink tablets or yellow, clear, red and black or red and yellow capsules.

How is it taken?

The tablets or capsules are swallowed.

What effects does it have?

When taken:

Ecstasy is a stimulant which has mild hallucinogenic effects. Its effects start after twenty minutes to an hour and can last for several hours. The physical effects include dilated pupils, a tightening of the jaw, nausea, sweating and a dry mouth and throat. Ecstasy can make you feel energetic and calm and in tune with other people. Some people have a greater appreciation of music and increased sexual arousal. Effects can also include anxiety, panic and confusion. There have been almost 80 sudden deaths from ecstasy use in Britain.

Afterwards:

For the next few days after taking ecstasy you may feel very tired and need a lot of sleep to recover. This could affect your ability to hold down a job. Regular users may have problems with sleeping, lack of energy and depression and may be more likely to get minor illnesses like colds and flu. Ecstasy does not cause physical addiction but you may become dependent on the need for the feelings it produces.

Long term:

The long term effects are not yet known but it is thought that later in life, ecstasy users could suffer mental health problems such as chronic (long-term) depression.