MDMA

Synthetic chemical. MDMA usually comes in a tablet or capsule form but can also be powder or crystal. The pills come in different colours and sizes. Different ingredients cause different effects. Effects in 20 mins to 1 hour. Usually swallowed, or rubbed on gums, can also be snorted or shelved.

This is a guide only – know more, be safer.

Effects on the Brain

How MDMA makes you feel

Depends on how you feel before you use MDMA, and the surroundings you’re in. You can feel ‘loved up’, happy, energetic, confident and/or anxious, aggressive, irrational, irritable or paranoid. People can feel uninhibited – this might mean you get deep and meaningful about things you usually wouldn’t. Come downs can make you feel flat or depressed, anxious, paranoid and tired.

Effects on the Body

What MDMA does to your body

Depends on your size/weight and health, if you’re used to taking it, if other drugs are taken around the same time, amount taken and drug strength. You might experience jaw clenching, teeth grinding, heightened senses, dilated pupils, excessive sweating, skin tingles, dehydration, muscle aches, reduced appetite, racing heart, increased blood pressure, heat stroke, hallucinations or floating sensations.

Drug Duration Calculator
Staying Safe

How long does MDMA last?

Effects last
3-4 hours
Stays in your system for
In system
Saliva test: 2 days. Urine test: 3-4 days
No longer detectable in your system
Clear
4+ days

Depends on:

Depends on:

  • Your Size/Weight
  • Tolerance to the drug
  • Drug Strength
  • Type of test. These time frames are based on saliva and urine drug tests. Testing equipment can vary - this is a guide only.

How do you stay below 0.05? (This is a guide only)

Men average size: No more than 2 standard drinks in the first hour and 1 drink per hour after that.

Women average size: No more than 1 standard drink per hour.

Mixing Substances

Risks of mixing MDMA with other substances

Mixing MDMA with other drugs can have unpredictable effects and increase the risk of harm.

Moderate risk icon

Moderate Risk Substances

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High Risk Substances

Potential Side Effects

When you take too much MDMA

Vomiting

Convulsions

High body temperature

Staying Safe

Risks when taking the substance

  • Some pills sold as ecstasy may only have small amount of MDMA, or none at all – instead can be a mix of amphetamines, PMA, ketamine, NBOMe, synthetic cathinones or other substances
  • If you have a heart condition, epilepsy, asthma or blood pressure problems you could have a bad/dangerous reaction
  • Regular use increases the risk of addiction.
Staying Safe

Harm reduction

  • Try quarter first and wait 1 hour for effects
  • Avoid mixing with other drugs including alcohol
  • Take regular breaks to cool down and drink no more than 250ml of water per hour
  • Even if two pills look the same, they may contain different ingredients or have different strengths
  • Let a friend know what you’ve taken so they can help if you’re unwell
  • Know how long MDMA stays in your system so you’ll know when it’s safer to drive, be on site or work machinery.

If snorting:

  • Always try a small amount first.
  • Make sure the drug is crushed into a fine powder so it doesn’t cause cuts.
  • Don’t use bank notes to snort, have your own straw or spoon to avoid infection and blood borne viruses.
  • Snorting drugs repeatedly over time can injure the nose, remember to take breaks.
  • You can snort water before and after use to reduce infection risk.