Can Molly be found in your system?

Note: Drugs sold as MDMA (ecstasy) may not contain any methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA); they can be a mix of amphetamine, paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA), ketamine, NBOMe, synthetic cathinones or other substances.

What is MDMA?

Note: Drugs sold as MDMA (ecstasy) may not contain any methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA); they can be a mix of amphetamine, paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA), ketamine, NBOMe, synthetic cathinones or other substances.

(MDMA) Methylenedioxymethamphetamine is an empathogen, which increases an individual’s feeling of empathy and kindness, and increases feelings of being socially accepted by and connected to others1.

MDMA is commonly known as ecstasy.2 However, some pills sold as ecstasy may only have a small amount of MDMA or none at all. Other drugs and ‘fillers’ are often used instead. This makes it hard to know what reactions to expect after taking MDMA or if negative side effects will be experienced.

What does MDMA look like?
MDMA is commonly found in tablet or capsule form but can also be a powder or crystal. The pills come in different colours and sizes and often have a picture, symbol or logo. When sold in pill form, two pills with the same logo or symbol may have different effects — they can come from different sources and have different ingredients.

Other names
Ecstasy, caps, Eckies, E, XTC, pills, pingers, bikkies, flippers, molly, M&M2,3

How is MDMA used?

MDMA is usually swallowed but can also be injected, snorted or inserted rectally.2

Effects of MDMA

Use of any drug can have risks. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug.

MDMA affects everyone differently, based on:

size, weight and health
whether the person is used to taking it
whether other drugs are taken around the same time
the amount taken
the strength of the drug (varies from batch to batch)
environment (where the drug is taken).
The effects of MDMA are usually felt about 20 minutes to an hour after it’s taken and last for around three to four hours.2, 3 The height of this experience is sometimes known as ‘peaking’.2

You may experience:

euphoria
feeling energetic and confident
dilated (enlarged) pupils
jaw clenching and teeth grinding
heightened senses (sight, hearing and touch)
excessive sweating and skin tingles
muscle aches and pains
reduced appetite
fast heartbeat
increased blood pressure
dehydration
heat stroke
drinking extreme amounts of water (can cause death).2-5
If you take a large amount or have a strong batch of MDMA, you may also experience:

floating sensations
perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations
out-of-character irrational behaviour
anxiety
irritability, paranoia and aggression
vomiting
high body temperature
racing heartbeat
convulsions.2, 4, 5

MDMA, dehydration and overheating

MDMA is taken by some people at festivals, parties, and nightclubs. In these environments, people using MDMA are likely to engage in dancing, which in combination with MDMA can raise body temperature to a dangerous level.

Impact of mood and environment

Drugs that affect a person’s mental state (psychoactive drugs) can also have varied effects depending on a person’s mood (often called the ‘set’) or the environment they are in (the ‘setting’):

Set: a person’s state of mind, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, and expectations of what’s going to happen. For example, feelings of stress or anxiety before using MDMA may result in an unpleasant experience.7
Setting: the environment in which someone consumes MDMA – whether it’s known and familiar, who they’re with, if they’re indoors or outdoors, the type of music and light. For example, using MDMA in a calm, quiet and relaxed environment can lead to, or contribute to, a pleasant experience but being in a noisy, crowded place may result in a negative experience.7
Being in a good state of mind, with trusted friends and a safe environment before taking MDMA reduces the risk of having an unpleasant experience.

Long-term effects

Regular use of MDMA may cause:

colds or flu
depression
needing to use more to get the same effect
dependence on MDMA
memory and concentration problems
liver problems
financial, work and social problems.

Mixing MDMA with other drugs

The effects of taking MDMA with other drugs − including over-the-counter or prescribed medications − can be unpredictable and dangerous:

MDMA + alcohol: increased risk of dehydration and consequently drinking too much water.8

MDMA + ice, speed or cocaine: increased risk of anxiety and reduced brain functioning due to dopamine depletion. Enormous strain on the cardiovascular system and other parts of the body, which can lead to stroke.9,10

MDMA + antidepressants: Drowsiness, clumsiness, restlessness and feeling drunk and dizzy.11