MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a psychoactive drug with stimulant and perception-altering effects. Products sold as ecstasy may contain other substances, so their contents and effects can be unpredictable.
Health effects and risks
MDMA may increase heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature and can affect memory, mood, and sleep. High body temperature and other severe reactions can become medical emergencies. A tablet or powder’s appearance cannot confirm what it contains.
Testing and next steps
Drug screens vary by specimen and by the substances listed on a test’s panel. Check the instructions and panel before selecting a test; do not assume every product detects this substance. A home screen is preliminary. For more on specimen types, read Drug Testing Methods; for a preliminary positive result, read Unexpected or Preliminary Positive Results. The Substance Information hub lists the current staging test options.
Sources and support
See the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Commonly Abused Drugs chart for a general overview. For confidential U.S. treatment referrals, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Call 911 for a medical emergency.