The substance 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) is an amphetamine derivative that has gained significant popularity in recent years and has become the recreational drug of choice for many adolescents and young adults. The drug has various addictive psychoactive properties, and its abuse has led to an alarming increase in emergency department visits worldwide. This designer drug must be recognized by the ED physician because of its tremendous abuse potential and unpredictable toxicity. The popularity of these club drugs is due to their low cost and convenient distribution as small pills or liquids that can be taken orally. MDMA ingestion increases the release of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine from presynaptic neurons and prevents their metabolism by inhibiting monoamine oxidase. MDMA increases alertness, reduces fatigue, and leads to feelings of increased physical and mental powers, and euphoria.
Keywords: Ecstasy, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA, street drugs