Ecstasy (also known as E) is now one of the most widely used synthetic drugs. Over the last decade the drug has become hugely popular with club-going segments of the gay and lesbian community.

Ecstasy gives users a feeling of euphoria caused by the drug's forced release of serotonin in the brain. The drug lowers inhibitions, increases mood sensitivity and gives club-goers energy to dance well into the morning hours. People say they are friendlier, happier and "more connected" to music and to other people when on the drug.

What is it really?
MDMA stands for 3, 4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine. The drug is closely related to the hallucinogen mescaline and the stimulant amphetamine, and is synthetically manufactured. "Pure" Ecstasy is uncommon. Batches frequently contain heroin, LSD, amphetamines and other assorted toxic impurities which are used as fillers.

How is it used?
Ecstasy or MDMA comes in pill or capsule form and induces a high that lasts anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. All users flirt with serious dehydration and a marked increase in body temperatures because of their inability to accurately gauge their body's need for water or rest.

Ecstasy is not considered addictive and many people consider it "safe" for recreational use. But all drugs present unknown dangers to the health of their users. While MDMA overdoses and other complications are rare, Ecstasy has been tied to dozens of deaths in the United States and Europe resulting from seizures, strokes and heart attacks. The victims were apparently healthy and had not taken unusually large doses.

Physiological Impact
Because Ecstasy has only been used widely as a recreational drug since the mid 1980's, researchers are only beginning to gauge the long-term impact of its use.

However, a conference at the National Institutes of Health in July 2001 found that short-term use of Ecstasy can cause significant changes in heart rate and blood pressure, dehydration and a potentially life-threatening increase in body temperature, while longer-term use can cause lasting changes in brain chemistry that control mood and memory.

A study published in June 1999 by Johns Hopkins confirms that MDMA is neurotoxic: the forced release of serotonin damages serotonin receptors in the brain. The Johns Hopkins study reported that a onetime four-day dose given to monkeys caused damage to serotonin-containing nerve cells that was still detectable seven years later. It was the first study to prove that Ecstasy use causes brain damage.

Other reports have shown that even regular short-term use induces tolerances, spurring the need among users for higher dosages for the same high and compounding toxic side effects in the brain. Immediate ill-effects can include nausea, dizziness, disorientation, anxiety and panic attacks.

All users experience a "hangover" typified by fatigue and depression which typically lasts several days. Herpes sufferers typically experience outbreaks following Ecstasy use implying a general weakening of the body's immune system.

Dangerous complication/interactions
Ecstasy can have dangerous interactions with prescribed medications such as anti-depressants because they modify the serotonin uptake in the brain. Taking Ecstasy while on anti- depressants can render prescribed medications ineffective.

From GayHealth.com

"Sexstasy"

"Sexstasy" is a Viagra-Ecstasy drug combo. The Viagra is intended to counteract the effects of Ecstasy, which includes a loss of libido. Viagra can give you a boost. Again, mixing drugs is dangerous. The Ecstasy causes a massive bio-chemical reaction in your brain, and can also cause dehydration. Viagra sends blood to your dick. That means less is going to your heart and brain, and your blood pressure drops. Vigorous activity like dancing and fucking make your heart work overtime. Lack of blood and other bodily fluids can lead to heat stroke, heart attack and even death.

Drug use also impairs judgment. You might be less likely to use condoms when you're feeling particularly "friendly" to someone on Ecstasy. And taking Viagra in combination with Ecstasy increase your chance of developing a Priapism. Many who have taken Sexstasy reported having an erection for hours. While this might sound like fun, it can lead to serious issues including rupturing blood vessels in the penis. If you have an erection that lasts for longer than 4 hours, go to see a doctor immediately.

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