Definition mdma

MDMA

MDMA (Ecstasy) and other Phenethylamines 3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) was first synthesized in 1912 but remained in relative obscurity for many years. In the 1980s, MDMA gained popularity as a drug of abuse resulting in its final placement in Schedule I of the CSA. Today, MDMA is extremely popular. In 2000, it was estimated that two million tablets were smuggled into the United States every week. 54 MDMA (Ecstasy) tablets are sold in many colors with a variety of logos designed to attract young abusers. Drugs of Abuse MDMA produces both amphetamine-like stimulation and mild mescaline-like hallucinations. It is touted as a “feel good” drug with an undeserved reputation of safety. MDMA produces euphoria, increased energy, increased sensual arousal, and enhanced tactile sensations. However, it also produces nerve cell damage that can result in psychiatric disturbances and long-term cognitive impairments. The user will often experience increased muscle tension, tremors, blurred vision, and hyperthermia. The increased body temperature can result in organ failure and death. MDMA is usually distributed in tablet form and taken orally at doses ranging from 50 to 200 mg. Individual tablets are often imprinted with graphic designs or commercial logos, and typically contain 80-100 mg of MDMA. After oral administration, effects are felt within 30 to 45 minutes, peak at 60 to 90 minutes, and last for 4 to 6 hours. Analysis of seized MDMA tablets indicates that about 80 percent of all samples actually contain MDMA. About 10 percent of the MDMA-positive samples also contain MDA (3,4- methylenedioxyamphetamine) and MDEA (3,4- methylenedioxyethylamphetamine), while another 10 percent contain amphetamine, methamphetamine, or both.

Fraudulent MDMA tablets frequently contain combinations of ephedrine, dextromethorphan, and caffeine or newer piperazine compounds. Hundreds of compounds can be produced by making slight modifications to the phenethylamine molecule. Some of these analogues are pharmacologically active and differ from one another in potency, speed of onset, duration of action, and capacity to modify mood, with or without producing overt hallucinations. The drugs are usually taken orally, sometimes snorted, and rarely injected. Because they are produced in clandestine laboratories, they are seldom pure and the amount in a capsule or tablet is likely to vary considerably. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health , initiation of Ecstasy use has increased from 1993 until 2001, when it peaked at 1.8 million new users. In 2002 the number declined to 1.1 million. Two-thirds (66 percent) of new Ecstasy users in 2002 were 18 or older, and 50 percent were male.