The effects of MDMA will depend on the environment and what dose is taken. MDMA is a stimulant (upper) drug which can make you feel chatty and euphoric. You night feel more connected to music and people and able to have conversations more freely. Other effects include hallucinations, enhanced colour and sound.

It also increases your heart rate and body temperature which can result in dehydration and overheating with potentially serious consequences. This risk is increased if mixing with alcohol, not getting enough water or mixed with other drugs.

Without testing it is impossible to tell what is in an ecstasy tablet. Some pills will contain just MDMA but others can contain MDMA and many other substances. These can be dangerous and have resulted in several deaths.

Ecstasy has been found to contain caffeine which is a stimulant drug which can make you feel 'perked up' and more energetic. It also increases your heart rate and breathing. People using it can experience alertness, improved concentration and mood although higher doses can cause headaches, restlessness, sleep problems and cravings.

Ecstasy can be cut with amphetamine which is a strong stimulant (upper) drug which can make you feel energetic and confident. It also increases your heart rate and breathing. People using it can experience an increase in alertness and concentration as well as restlessness, aggression and paranoia. Negative effects are more likely with higher doses or when mixed with other drugs.

PMA and PMMA are sometimes found in tablets sold as ecsasy. They are strong psychedelics (trippy) stimulant (upper) drugs. Like MDMA they can increase your heart rate, breathing and blood pressure, but take longer to kick in and are more toxic. Users can experience hallucinations, a feeling of closeness to others as well as muscle spasms, nausea, vomiting and a dangerous increase in body temperature.

Now you know what can be inside ecstasy.
But you can never be sure what you're getting.

If you or anyone you know feels unwell
after taking drugs get help and call 999