Classification: Entactogenic, of the phenethylamine and amphetamine families; hallucinogen

Background: Ecstasy is a group of drugs typically consisting of MDMA, MDEA and MDA that are all psychotropic derivatives of the amphetamines drug class. MDMA is a ring-substituted derivative of methamphetamine first synthesized in 1914 and later evaluated as an adjunct to psychotherapy in the 1970s. MDA is a minor metabolite of MDMA, which can also be abused separately, first synthesized in 1910. MDEA is a close chemical analog of MDMA  and is a methoxylated amphetamine derivative. In 1985 the widespread abuse of these drugs caused the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to classify the compounds as Schedule I drugs. There is no current prescribed use for these drugs.

Street Names: E, X, Thizz, Ecstasy, Adam, XTC, STP, Eve, Molly

Appearance: Tablet form available in multiple colors and shapes

Mode(s) of Use: Oral consumption in pill form

Physiological Effects: Increased energy, endurance, alertness, awareness, desire, drive, motivation, analgesia and decreased pain sensitivity, jaw clenching and grinding of the teeth. Coming down from the drug causes: loss of appetite, vertigo, GI disturbances, insomnia, aches and pains, exhaustion, and jaw soreness from jaw clenching.

Psychological Effects: Euphoria, increased sexual arousal, sense of intimacy, diminished anxiety, depression, aggression, hostility and jealousy, alteration of consciousness, feelings of empathy and compassion for others, improved self-confidence.

Withdrawal Effects: Anxiety, paranoia, fatigue, depression, irritability and impaired attention and focus.

Toxicity: Confusion, panic attacks, hypomania, hallucinations, memory impairment, disorganized thinking, delirium/insanity, muscle twitching, hyperreflexia, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, chest pains, cardiac arrhythmias, circulatory shock, destruction of blood vessels, cardiac arrest, hemorrhage/stroke, hyperthermia, organ failure, brain damage, coma and death.

Metabolism: MDMA excretes in urine as MDMA and MDA. MDEA is largely eliminated as the parent drug. MDA is also largely eliminated as an unchanged parent drug.

Detection Time in Urine: 1–3 days 

Detection Time in Oral Fluid: 1–2 days