Brenton
Dangers of Ecstacy Use
October 7th 2007 14:10
A friend of mine told me he was frustrated with a lot of preventable deaths from ecstasy use. He gave me a list of advice for first time users, and I helped edit it. I’m happy to put this up because it touches on a lot of things that are vitally important. I want to stress that I am not advocating the use of Drugs in this post, and the only way you can entirely protect yourself it to avoid using at all.
To note - this post is associated mostly with dangers of first time use, and may not fullt represent long term risks.
This Post Comes in three Parts. Information and Warning, Then links to information resources, then Images.
• Ecstasy is a drug that comes in pill form. It is usually based on MDMA but may also contain PMA, Speed, Mescaline, Caffeine, MDA or other substances.
• Ecstasy is illegal and unregulated. This means that you can never be certain what is in it. You can protect yourself to a small extent by using websites such a PillReports.com. However you don’t really know for sure, ever. If you have suspicions as to the integrity of the source of the product, then stay on the safe side. Many deaths occur because people have taken PMA or other drugs sold as Ecstasy, and there are always new variotions of deadly pills sneaking onto the market.
• If something goes wrong, call the Ambulance. Don’t try out the ‘I’ll be right’ shit. If you are a first time drug user, the odds are stacked against you. Some people are just allergic to that stuff and you know how you can tell if you are? You can’t.
• DO NOT MIX DRUGS! Ever. Ever. Ever. I know people do it all the time, and usually the worst that happens is they vomit everywhere and pass out on the side of the road. But if you are using for the first time then your odds of screwing up are drastically increased. Just don’t.
• The big issue with Ecstasy is Water. A lot of deaths occur because an individual has been dancing hardcore, not drunk enough water and dehydrated massively in a short period of time. This needs to be avoided – drink plenty of water and if you begin to feel sick… like I said… GET HELP.
• The other side of this water coin, is too much of a good thing is also dangerous. Excess water has been implicated in a number of ecstasy related deaths. Ecstasy may also create difficulty in urinating. In the death of Leah Betts from excess fluids after taking ecstasy, an inquest suggested she may have survived from the amount of water alone, if she had not suffered effects of the drug.
• Just say KNOW. Information is the best friend you can have. Knowledge is the difference between the experienced user and the first timer, and equally the difference between a screw up and an emergency or tragedy.
• Actually, in truth the best friend you can have is a friend. Make sure you’re surrounded by people who know you and care for you and are willing and able to take action if it all goes to shit.
• Make sure you’re doing it for the right reason. What that is depends on your opinion, but if you’re trying to prove something, feeling pressured, think it will make you look cool or more popular then you are definitely looking at the WRONG reasons.
ALSO- Do not Sniff Vaporub or other Menthol. This personal account describes why.
Some Information from Wikipedia's article on MDMA
In Short;
* Not for use in combination with stimulants (amphetamines, large doses of caffeine, soda, energy drinks, etc).
* Not for use in combination with diuretics (alcohol).
* Not for use in individuals with high blood pressure, hypertension, or blood clotting disorders.
* Not for use in individuals with Gilbert syndrome.
* Not for use in individuals who have displayed allergies to amphetamine drugs.
* Must never be used in combination with MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor) drugs.
In more detail
* MDMA is considered neurotoxic, that is it has been shown to cause changes in brain chemistry that may or may not be permanent. While the method of this toxicity has not been definitively established, the current leading theory is that the metabolism of MDMA leads to the lipid peroxidation of serotonergic neurons, thus interfering with the brain's ability to effectively use serotonin. [5] Several studies have demonstrated that such changes in the brain are reversible after prolonged abstinence from the drug. [6] In severe cases, however, the possibility for recovery of brain function may be much more limited. [7]
* MDMA use commonly results in a rebound period of depression known as a "comedown", the length and severity of which depends on the user, the dose and the total duration of MDMA's activity in the body. Heavy or frequent use may precipitate lasting depression and anxiety in vulnerable users, particularly those prone to depression or other mental disorders as well as anyone in a state of crisis in their life. "Redosing" in an attempt to extend MDMA's desired effects has been shown to substantially increase neurotoxicity as well as the undesired side effects associated with high doses such as trisma and bruxia. The longer MDMA is being metabolized in the brain, the greater the neurotoxic damage. [26]
* Antioxidants have been shown to prevent the neurotoxicity of MDMA in rats. In one study, intravenous administration of alpha lipoic acid completely blocked the neurotoxic effects of MDMA. No studies have been performed to date with human subjects, although some users report that taking various combinations of antioxidants before, during, and after using MDMA serves to moderate the subsequent mood-dip and improve recovery time. [8]
* The administration of an SSRI in rats prior to the administration of MDMA has been shown to completely block neurotoxicity. This is likely due to the binding of such medications with SERT. However, administering an SSRI prior to administration of MDMA also completely or partially blocks the desired effects of the latter. As a compromise it has been shown that administration of an SSRI 3-4 hours after MDMA, at which time the primary effects will have tapered off significantly, markedly limits neurotoxicity overall despite some axonal damage having already occurred. [9]
* Individuals who have stopped taking any type of SSRI after prolonged medication may not be able to experience the desired effects of MDMA for several months following discontinuation of the medication. This is due to the way SSRIs affect and limit the efficiency of the brain's utilization of serotonin.
* The MDMA content of tablets sold as Ecstasy varies widely and fluctuates somewhat each year. This is most likely due to changes in the criminal organizations manufacturing and cutting the drug; as one may be dismantled, another will rise to fill the gap in the market and will likely have somewhat different standards as to the constituents and purity of their final product(s). Pills often contain other active substances which commonly include amphetamine, methamphetamine, caffeine, and usually inactive filler material, all of which may be comparatively cheap and can help to boost profit overall. In some cases, tablets sold as Ecstasy do not even contain MDMA, chemicals in the Ecstasy Family, or even any kind of stimulant drug. Instead they sometimes contain (i.e. pills containing just acetaminophen or pills containing ketamine. Some users will purchase pill testing kits in an attempt to better understand the make-up of a pill they have purchased. Organizations such as DanceSafe provide pill testing kits.[27]
* There have been a number of deaths in which PMA, a potent and highly neurotoxic hallucinogenic amphetamine, has been sold as Ecstasy. PMA is unique in its ability to quickly elevate body temperature and heart rate at relatively low doses, especially in comparison to MDMA. Hence, a user who believes he is consuming 2 120mg pills of MDMA is actually consuming a dose of PMA that is potentially lethal. However such cases are often over-publicized, actually quite rare, and do not represent a significant amount of pills being sold as ecstasy around the world.
* Most people who die while under the influence of Ecstasy have also consumed significant quantities of at least one other drug. The risk of MDMA-induced death overall is very low. [10]
* Hypertension is a risk in some users due to the increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This risk increases as dose increases. [28]
* The use of MDMA can be dangerous when combined with other drugs (particularly monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and antiretroviral drugs, in particular Ritonavir). Combining MDMA with MAOIs can precipitate hypertensive crisis, as well as serotonin syndrome which can be fatal. [11] MAOI-B inhibitors such as deprenyl do not seem to carry these risks when used in selective doses, and have been used to completely block neurotoxicity in rats. [12]
* MDMA affects the regulation of the body's internal systems. Continuous dancing without sufficient breaks or drinks can lead to dangerous overheating and dehydration, and serves to significantly enhance the drug's neurotoxic action. Drinking too much water without adequate salt can cause hyponatremia or water intoxication, although this is even less common than overheating.
* A small percentage of users may be highly sensitive to MDMA; this may make first-time use especially hazardous. This includes, but is not limited to, people with congenital heart defects. (Some scientists have suggested that a small percentage of people lack the proper enzymes to break down the drug. One enzyme involved in MDMA's breakdown is CYP2D6, which is deficient or totally absent in 5–10% of the Caucasian population and those of African descent, and in 1–2% of Asians.[29] However, there is no clear evidence linking lack of this enzyme to problems in users, and the connection remains theoretical.)
Numbers in brackets correspond to references from The Wikipedia Page on MDMA
As you see, there are a lot of things that can go horribly wrong. The main thing to remember is that use of any drug can be dangerous. This is especially true in unregulated industries such as pills. The main thing is to be very cautious, keep good company who will look after you and recognize that, as a first time user, you are more at risk than almost anyone else.
LINKS:
MDMA Vault on Erowid.
EcstacyData.org
August 2007 PMA Report - Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
Pillreports - site for information on potentially impure pills
Drug and Alcohol Counseling Online
Enlighten Harm Reduction
Dancesafe Drug Information
Dancesafe information on safe settings
BlueLight Ecstasy Information Vault
BlueLight Ecstasy Discussion Forum
DanceSafe Article on Ecstasy and Depression.
Ecstasy Information Factsheet.
Erowid Ecstasy Experiences
Example of Positive First Time
Example of Negative First Time
Images of other drugs.
To note - this post is associated mostly with dangers of first time use, and may not fullt represent long term risks.
This Post Comes in three Parts. Information and Warning, Then links to information resources, then Images.
• Ecstasy is a drug that comes in pill form. It is usually based on MDMA but may also contain PMA, Speed, Mescaline, Caffeine, MDA or other substances.
• Ecstasy is illegal and unregulated. This means that you can never be certain what is in it. You can protect yourself to a small extent by using websites such a PillReports.com. However you don’t really know for sure, ever. If you have suspicions as to the integrity of the source of the product, then stay on the safe side. Many deaths occur because people have taken PMA or other drugs sold as Ecstasy, and there are always new variotions of deadly pills sneaking onto the market.
• If something goes wrong, call the Ambulance. Don’t try out the ‘I’ll be right’ shit. If you are a first time drug user, the odds are stacked against you. Some people are just allergic to that stuff and you know how you can tell if you are? You can’t.
• DO NOT MIX DRUGS! Ever. Ever. Ever. I know people do it all the time, and usually the worst that happens is they vomit everywhere and pass out on the side of the road. But if you are using for the first time then your odds of screwing up are drastically increased. Just don’t.
• The big issue with Ecstasy is Water. A lot of deaths occur because an individual has been dancing hardcore, not drunk enough water and dehydrated massively in a short period of time. This needs to be avoided – drink plenty of water and if you begin to feel sick… like I said… GET HELP.
• The other side of this water coin, is too much of a good thing is also dangerous. Excess water has been implicated in a number of ecstasy related deaths. Ecstasy may also create difficulty in urinating. In the death of Leah Betts from excess fluids after taking ecstasy, an inquest suggested she may have survived from the amount of water alone, if she had not suffered effects of the drug.
• Just say KNOW. Information is the best friend you can have. Knowledge is the difference between the experienced user and the first timer, and equally the difference between a screw up and an emergency or tragedy.
• Actually, in truth the best friend you can have is a friend. Make sure you’re surrounded by people who know you and care for you and are willing and able to take action if it all goes to shit.
• Make sure you’re doing it for the right reason. What that is depends on your opinion, but if you’re trying to prove something, feeling pressured, think it will make you look cool or more popular then you are definitely looking at the WRONG reasons.
ALSO- Do not Sniff Vaporub or other Menthol. This personal account describes why.
Some Information from Wikipedia's article on MDMA
In Short;
* Not for use in combination with stimulants (amphetamines, large doses of caffeine, soda, energy drinks, etc).
* Not for use in combination with diuretics (alcohol).
* Not for use in individuals with high blood pressure, hypertension, or blood clotting disorders.
* Not for use in individuals with Gilbert syndrome.
* Not for use in individuals who have displayed allergies to amphetamine drugs.
* Must never be used in combination with MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor) drugs.
In more detail
* MDMA is considered neurotoxic, that is it has been shown to cause changes in brain chemistry that may or may not be permanent. While the method of this toxicity has not been definitively established, the current leading theory is that the metabolism of MDMA leads to the lipid peroxidation of serotonergic neurons, thus interfering with the brain's ability to effectively use serotonin. [5] Several studies have demonstrated that such changes in the brain are reversible after prolonged abstinence from the drug. [6] In severe cases, however, the possibility for recovery of brain function may be much more limited. [7]
* MDMA use commonly results in a rebound period of depression known as a "comedown", the length and severity of which depends on the user, the dose and the total duration of MDMA's activity in the body. Heavy or frequent use may precipitate lasting depression and anxiety in vulnerable users, particularly those prone to depression or other mental disorders as well as anyone in a state of crisis in their life. "Redosing" in an attempt to extend MDMA's desired effects has been shown to substantially increase neurotoxicity as well as the undesired side effects associated with high doses such as trisma and bruxia. The longer MDMA is being metabolized in the brain, the greater the neurotoxic damage. [26]
* Antioxidants have been shown to prevent the neurotoxicity of MDMA in rats. In one study, intravenous administration of alpha lipoic acid completely blocked the neurotoxic effects of MDMA. No studies have been performed to date with human subjects, although some users report that taking various combinations of antioxidants before, during, and after using MDMA serves to moderate the subsequent mood-dip and improve recovery time. [8]
* The administration of an SSRI in rats prior to the administration of MDMA has been shown to completely block neurotoxicity. This is likely due to the binding of such medications with SERT. However, administering an SSRI prior to administration of MDMA also completely or partially blocks the desired effects of the latter. As a compromise it has been shown that administration of an SSRI 3-4 hours after MDMA, at which time the primary effects will have tapered off significantly, markedly limits neurotoxicity overall despite some axonal damage having already occurred. [9]
* Individuals who have stopped taking any type of SSRI after prolonged medication may not be able to experience the desired effects of MDMA for several months following discontinuation of the medication. This is due to the way SSRIs affect and limit the efficiency of the brain's utilization of serotonin.
* The MDMA content of tablets sold as Ecstasy varies widely and fluctuates somewhat each year. This is most likely due to changes in the criminal organizations manufacturing and cutting the drug; as one may be dismantled, another will rise to fill the gap in the market and will likely have somewhat different standards as to the constituents and purity of their final product(s). Pills often contain other active substances which commonly include amphetamine, methamphetamine, caffeine, and usually inactive filler material, all of which may be comparatively cheap and can help to boost profit overall. In some cases, tablets sold as Ecstasy do not even contain MDMA, chemicals in the Ecstasy Family, or even any kind of stimulant drug. Instead they sometimes contain (i.e. pills containing just acetaminophen or pills containing ketamine. Some users will purchase pill testing kits in an attempt to better understand the make-up of a pill they have purchased. Organizations such as DanceSafe provide pill testing kits.[27]
* There have been a number of deaths in which PMA, a potent and highly neurotoxic hallucinogenic amphetamine, has been sold as Ecstasy. PMA is unique in its ability to quickly elevate body temperature and heart rate at relatively low doses, especially in comparison to MDMA. Hence, a user who believes he is consuming 2 120mg pills of MDMA is actually consuming a dose of PMA that is potentially lethal. However such cases are often over-publicized, actually quite rare, and do not represent a significant amount of pills being sold as ecstasy around the world.
* Most people who die while under the influence of Ecstasy have also consumed significant quantities of at least one other drug. The risk of MDMA-induced death overall is very low. [10]
* Hypertension is a risk in some users due to the increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This risk increases as dose increases. [28]
* The use of MDMA can be dangerous when combined with other drugs (particularly monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and antiretroviral drugs, in particular Ritonavir). Combining MDMA with MAOIs can precipitate hypertensive crisis, as well as serotonin syndrome which can be fatal. [11] MAOI-B inhibitors such as deprenyl do not seem to carry these risks when used in selective doses, and have been used to completely block neurotoxicity in rats. [12]
* MDMA affects the regulation of the body's internal systems. Continuous dancing without sufficient breaks or drinks can lead to dangerous overheating and dehydration, and serves to significantly enhance the drug's neurotoxic action. Drinking too much water without adequate salt can cause hyponatremia or water intoxication, although this is even less common than overheating.
* A small percentage of users may be highly sensitive to MDMA; this may make first-time use especially hazardous. This includes, but is not limited to, people with congenital heart defects. (Some scientists have suggested that a small percentage of people lack the proper enzymes to break down the drug. One enzyme involved in MDMA's breakdown is CYP2D6, which is deficient or totally absent in 5–10% of the Caucasian population and those of African descent, and in 1–2% of Asians.[29] However, there is no clear evidence linking lack of this enzyme to problems in users, and the connection remains theoretical.)
Numbers in brackets correspond to references from The Wikipedia Page on MDMA
As you see, there are a lot of things that can go horribly wrong. The main thing to remember is that use of any drug can be dangerous. This is especially true in unregulated industries such as pills. The main thing is to be very cautious, keep good company who will look after you and recognize that, as a first time user, you are more at risk than almost anyone else.
LINKS:
MDMA Vault on Erowid.
EcstacyData.org
August 2007 PMA Report - Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
Pillreports - site for information on potentially impure pills
Drug and Alcohol Counseling Online
Enlighten Harm Reduction
Dancesafe Drug Information
Dancesafe information on safe settings
BlueLight Ecstasy Information Vault
BlueLight Ecstasy Discussion Forum
DanceSafe Article on Ecstasy and Depression.
Ecstasy Information Factsheet.
Erowid Ecstasy Experiences
Example of Positive First Time
Example of Negative First Time
IMAGES
Ecstasy Pills
MDMA in Capsules
Raw MDMA Crystals
A line of Meth, or speed. Different to Ecstasy but may be included within a pill. Note similarity of appearance to raw MDMA.
PMA is a dangerous hallucinogenic substance often implicated in Drug deaths. It may appear in designs much like the ecstasy pills above. It is usually beige. Taken accidentally, it may cause great harm or death.
Images of other drugs.
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