Ecstasy and Amphetamines
Contents
Section titled “Contents”- Brief historical overview
- Chemical relatives of MDMA
- Preparation
- Pharmacokinetics and routes of administration
- Psychological and physiological effects
- Combination effects
Historical Overview
Section titled “Historical Overview”Amphetamines
Section titled “Amphetamines”Amphetamines were first synthesized in 1887 and had similar properties to cocaine. Like many other drugs, amphetamines were initially regarded as a miracle cure — between 1935 and 1946, 39 indications were established.
Areas of use included:
- Schizophrenia
- Nicotine addiction
- Obesity
- Chronic hiccups
- Narcolepsy (compulsive sleeping)
- Performance enhancement for soldiers and pilots in World War II
In children with ADHD (from about age 6), amphetamines are still used today because they have a dampening effect — in contrast to the stimulating effect in adults.
It was not until the late 1940s that the first cases of abuse appeared, mostly among truck drivers and students.
Ecstasy (MDMA)
Section titled “Ecstasy (MDMA)”Ecstasy was first synthesized in 1913 but then fell into obscurity for several decades. In the early 1970s, MDMA was consumed only sporadically in the hippie scene.
- 1985: MDMA was placed on the US controlled substances schedule by emergency order
- 1986: MDMA also fell under Germany’s narcotics law
This revoked any potential therapeutic use of MDMA.
Chemical Relatives of MDMA
Section titled “Chemical Relatives of MDMA”Besides MDMA (Ecstasy) and amphetamines, there are also:
- MDA
- MBDB
- MDE (Eve)
- Methamphetamine (Speed, Pep)
Ecstasy is itself an amphetamine derivative.
Preparation
Section titled “Preparation”Amphetamines and MDMA are mostly produced illegally in small “poison kitchens” and often cut with additives.
Common cutting agents for Ecstasy:
- Flour, lactose, talcum
- Paracetamol, aspirin
- Ephedrine, caffeine
- Strychnine
- PMA (butyric acid — neurotoxic)
- Amphetamines, LSD, or heroin
Pharmacokinetics and Routes of Administration
Section titled “Pharmacokinetics and Routes of Administration”MDMA (Ecstasy)
Section titled “MDMA (Ecstasy)”Administration: Mostly oral in pill form (only about one-third reaches the bloodstream via the stomach)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Onset of action | 15-30 minutes |
| Duration of effect | 4-6 hours |
| Peak | After approx. 1 hour |
| Half-life | approx. 11 hours |
MDMA primarily acts at synapses involving the neurotransmitter serotonin. It causes the release of serotonin and blocks the return pathway to the sending sites. In the synaptic cleft, serotonin causes a flood of impulses perceived as feelings of happiness.
In the liver, MDMA is broken down to MDA — this is the cause of the neurotoxic side effects. At doses above 200 mg, severe damage can occur.
Amphetamines
Section titled “Amphetamines”Administration:
- Nasal: Onset after 1-5 minutes, duration 1-2 hours
- Oral (“bombs”): Slower onset, gentler and longer effect
- Free-base (smoked): Reaction with ether
There is a comparable chemical structure between amphetamine and the body’s own hormone adrenaline. Amphetamines act on the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which is released upon ingestion — this leads to stimulation of the central nervous system.
Psychological and Physical Effects
Section titled “Psychological and Physical Effects”Ecstasy
Section titled “Ecstasy”The effect of MDMA is a sense-intensifying alteration of consciousness on the emotional level. As a rule, no new feelings are created; rather, the current baseline mood is amplified.
Positive effects:
- Reduction of negative feelings (fears, inhibitions)
- Enhanced self-confidence
- Need for contact and communication
Physical symptoms at onset:
- Blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature increase
- Bronchi dilate (increased oxygen intake)
Possible long-term consequences with frequent use (approx. once/week):
- Extreme memory problems (according to studies, in 49% of users)
- Identity problems
- Impaired ability to maintain relationships
- Isolation and speech disorders
- Disruption of the neurotransmitter balance
During the “comedown,” the user typically feels depressed — caused by the low serotonin level.
Amphetamines
Section titled “Amphetamines”Amphetamine is not a harmony/happiness drug but primarily a performance enhancer. Fatigue disappears and heightened perception sets in.
Important: Amphetamines do not add energy but rather mobilize the body’s emergency reserves. The body is tricked into believing it is in an extreme situation.
Consequences:
- The user feels energized
- Protective signals (fatigue, hunger, thirst) are no longer perceived
- Elevated blood pressure, rising temperature and heart rate
During the “comedown”: depression, fatigue, disrupted sleep patterns. The rewarding effect in the brain must regenerate over weeks or months.
With regular use, rapid tolerance develops with consequences such as:
- Depression
- Concentration difficulties
- Apathy to paranoia
Combination Effects
Section titled “Combination Effects”Particularly dangerous combinations:
| Combination | Risk |
|---|---|
| MDMA + Alcohol | Physical needs are no longer perceived |
| MDMA + MAO inhibitors (antidepressants) | Loss of consciousness, hyperthermia, serotonin flooding with possible fatal outcome |
| Cocaine + Amphetamine | Amplified, unpredictable effect |
The effect is always influenced by set and setting — light and music can evoke different sensations.