Ecstasy and Health

Physical Damage from Ecstasy Use

The greatest dangers Ecstasy abusers face in the short term are super-elevated body temperature and dehydration. These are typical side effects, which can occur with any use, and they can be deadly.

On the other hand, if abusers drink too much water too quickly, they can face equally deadly dangers. Too much water drunk too quickly dilutes the level of sodium in the blood. With too little sodium, water is sucked into the brain cells under osmotic pressure, causing them to swell. This increases pressure on the brain stem, which controls heart and breathing functions. Brain swelling can lead to coma and death.

Other physical damage Ecstasy causes in the short term includes:

• Muscle tension
• Involuntary jaw clenching and jaw problems
• Cracked tooth enamel, worn teeth, tooth decay
• Nausea
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Reduced appetite
• Chills and sweating
• Acne-like rash on the face and neck
• Loss of control over voluntary body movements
• Fainting
• Tremors
• High blood pressure
• Body temperature up to 110°-- causes death
• Dehydration - can be fatal
• Kidney failure
• Liver damage
• Elevated heart rate
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Seizures
• Brain cell destruction

Psychological Damage from Ecstasy Use

• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Sleep problems
• Drug craving
• Psychological addiction
• Poor decision-making ability
• Getting into fights or accidents
• Anxiety and paranoia
• Violent, irrational behavior
• Depression, even suicidal thoughts
• Decreased ability to process serotonin - critical to sleep and well-bein