Ecstasy

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), most commonly known by the street name ecstasy (E, X, XTC, or love drug), is a synthetic entactogen of the phenethylamine family, whose primary effect is to release excess amounts of serotonin very quickly into the brain, inducing a general sense of openness, empathy, energy, euphoria, and well-being. Tactile sensations are enhanced for some users, making general physical contact with others more pleasurable; but, contrary to popular mythology it generally does not have aphrodisiac effects. It is composed of chemical variations of the stimulant amphetamine and a hallucinogen usually mescaline.

Long-term effects in humans are largely unknown but recent studies have shown risks of severe long-term depression as a result of a reduction in the natural production of serotonin, memory loss and increased psychiatric symptoms.