3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) is a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception (awareness of surrounding objects and conditions). It is chemically similar to both stimulants and hallucinogens, producing feelings of increased energy, pleasure, emotional warmth, and distorted sensory and time perception.
MDMA was initially popular in the nightclub scene and at all-night dance parties (“raves”), but the drug now affects a broader range of people who more commonly call the drug Ecstasy or Molly.
MDMA is commonly associated with dance parties, raves, and electronic dance music. It may be mixed with other substances such as ephedrine, amphetamine, and methamphetamine.
In the United States, MDMA is currently placed in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.
In 2017 the FDA granted breakthrough therapy designation for its use with psychotherapy for PTSD.
In recent news, some pills being sold as MDMA contained a variety of other substances creating fatal combinations with substances such as: Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine, Eutylone, LSD, Pentedrone, Etizolam, and others.