Ecstasy (MDMA) in Recreational Users: Self-Reported Psychological and Physiological Effects

Twenty recreational drug users described the psychological and physiological effects of MDMA. On the drug, they reported increased elation, agreeableness, energy, mental confusion, faster heart rate, feeling hot, sweating, dehydration, dilated pupils, and tight jaw. Coming off the drug led to lethargy, moodiness, insomnia, depression, irritability, and paranoia. 25 percent of the sample reported bad trips. Chronic tolerance was not apparent, but acute tolerance was evident, with a necessary period between doses to maintain effectiveness, which may help explain MDMA's low addiction potential.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Twenty recreational drug users were asked to describe the psychological and physiological effects they experienced under MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine). The subjects comprised 11 males and nine females, in the age range 18–31 years. Five subjects had taken MDMA once, nine had taken it 2–9 times, while six subjects had taken it +10 times. Each subject completed a modified Profile of Mood States Questionnaire (POMS), an Ecstasy Effect Questionnaire, and a structured interview, covering past experience with MDMA. Increased feelings of elation, agreeableness, energy, and mental confusion were reported on-drug (p < 0·001), together with faster heart rate, feeling hot, increased sweating and dehydration, dilated pupils, and tight jaw (trismus). Coming off-Ecstasy led to feelings of lethargy, moodiness, insomnia, depression, irritability, and paranoia. Bad MDMA trips were reported by 25 per cent of the sample, following a variety of unpleasant experiences. Chronic pharmacodynamic tolerance was not apparent, since although regular users all described their first MDMA experience as 'the most intense', later trips were affected by knowledge and expectancy, rather than any diminution in drug response. Acute pharmacodynamic tolerance was, however, evident, with a period between drugs being described as necessary in order to maintain drug effectiveness. This may help explain the low addiction potential of MDMA. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.