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METHYLENEDIOXYMETHAMPHETAMINE (MDMA) |
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 MDMA, ECSTASY, METHYLENEDIOXY-N-METHYLAMPHETAMINE
was first identified by a DEA Lab in 1972. MDMA is a Schedule 1 synthetic,
psychoactive drug possessing stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. MDMA
possesses chemical variations of the stimulant amphetamine or methamphetamine
and a hallucinogen, most often mescaline.
Ecstasy is said to produce
empathy, decreased anxiety, relaxation and heightened senses. MDMA also
suppresses appetite, thirst and the need to sleep. Because of this in
combination with dancing and increased activity can cause severe dehydration
and exhaustion.Adverse effects may include nausea, cold sweats, chills,
hallucinations, increased body temperature, tremors, teeth clenching, tremors,
double vision and muscle cramps. Long term after-effects of MDMA include
anxiety, paranoia and depression.This is most likely attributed to the
decreased serotonin levels found in the brain for up to three weeks after their
last dose.The National Institute of Mental Health conducted a study in 1998 to
support this. It was found that the use of MDMA severely damaged the neurons in
the brain that transmit serotonin. Serotonin is the chemical that is used in
learning, sleep, and integration of emotion. The study concluded that even
recreational users of the drug might be at risk of developing permanent damage
that can manifest depression, anxiety, memory loss, and neuropsychotic
disorders.
In addition to these troubling facts, recent research is
pointing to the real cause of the long term effects of MDMA. The drug acts
primarily on the serotonin receptor sites in the brain, enabling them to take
in large quantities of serotonin. It also enables them to take in other
chemicals in the brain. Namely, it takes in dopamine and as the serotonin
receptor sites attempt to break the dopamine down, it produces hydrogen
peroxide. Which many researches believe is the cause of long term damage to
serotonin receptors.
The DRUGCHECK® Drug of Abuse Test yields a
positive result when the Methylenedioxymethamphetamine in urine exceeds 500
ng/mL. |
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