Key functions like heart rate and blood pressure may increase, redirecting blood flow into the muscles and away from the gut.Īs a nervous system stimulant, ecstasy works by prompting the brain to initiate this 'fight or flight' response and the user feels refreshed by a burst of energy.Įcstasy can distort your experience of reality by influencing perceptions of sight and sound.Įcstasy is renowned for the feelings of peace and love it invokes. This may include the release of adrenalin and other stress hormones. When we are stressed or under threat, the central nervous system readies us for physical action and our bodies react in response. Most people take pills, but some may snort (inhaled through the nose), smoke or inject ecstasy. They may contain other chemicals (such as amphetamines, PMA, PMMA or ketamine ), or ‘fillers’ (such as household products) which may have unexpected or dangerous side effects.Įcstasy usually comes as pills (capsules or tablets), but can come as a powder or crystal.

It is possible for pills sold as ecstasy tablets to contain little or no MDMA. Today, ecstasy is generally made in illegal laboratories, which means the person taking it has no idea if the dose will be strong or weak, or even if it will contain any MDMA at all. MDMA was originally developed in Germany. The comedown (or return to normal as the drug leaves the body) may last one to two days or up to a week. The effects of ecstasy are usually felt about 20 minutes to an hour after it is taken and last for around 3-4 hours. There have also been reports of crystal MDMA in Australia and Victoria in recent years. Pills are usually different colours and have pictures or logos stamped on them. Ecstasy is usually swallowed as a tablet, but can come in powder form. In high doses, ecstasy can cause seizures and vomiting or may contribute to death.Ĭommon slang terms for ecstasy include the 'love drug', 'E', 'eckies', ‘pingers’ and ‘caps’. It also acts as a stimulant, since it speeds up the workings of the central nervous system and at high doses can also alter someone’s perception of reality giving it hallucinogenic qualities.Įcstasy is commonly used as a mood enhancer at parties and nightclubs. It is classified as an empathogen, which means it increases feelings of empathy and compassion towards others. Ecstasy is the common name for the illegal synthetic drug called methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).

Pingas meaning