LANDED
- Jan 22, 2021
- 3 min read

What is Ecstasy?

Ecstacy is a popular party drug that can be sold in pill form (Ecstasy) or crystal/powder form (MDMA). It was introduced into the UK during the late 1980s. Recreational use is often associated with rave culture, dance parties and music festivals, throughout Lanarkshire at house parties (GAFS) and on the streets

Recently, it makes headlines, linked to deaths of young people due to the fact the pills can be very strong and lead to overdoses and long term health issues.

This blog post will outline some key facts on Ecstacy, so if you decided to take it in the future you are more aware of its effects and the tell-tale signs of overdose.

Nicknames/Street Names

Eccies, Ecto, Ecto-Swedge, E, Disco Biscuits, Swedgers, Pills, Doves, MDMA.

What is Ecstasy?

Ecstasy comes in pill form. The pills are often coloured with their own branded stamp on them (these can vary from branded company names i.e. Rolex, Mercedes, Apple to cartoon characters or even politicians). Pills are usually swallowed but can also be crushed up and snorted.

What is MDMA?

MDMA or Molly is Ecstasy in Powder or Crystal form - coloured anywhere between brown, yellow, off white, and white in crystal form. MDMA is usually snorted or put into capsules or tobacco skins and swallowed.

The Effects and Risks

How you react to Ecstasy depends on how strong the batch is, the kind of mood you are in, who you are with, how much you use and your size.

The effects of Ecstasy depend on the individual and what they’ve taken but often the drug will give you an ‘energy burst’, making you feel awake and alert. In Lanarkshire, we often call that ‘FLEEIN’.

‘I’m absolutely fleein from that eccie mate’ – LOL

Ecstasy can also make people feel more in tune with their surroundings and make music and colours seem more intense, which is why people like to use at nightclubs at parties. It can make people feel more talkative and social and more emotionally connected to those around them (some people might get really touchy-feely). Ecstasy can give people a ‘rush’ but it can also cause some pretty unpleasant effects:

Tingling of the arms and legs
Tightening or moving of the jaw (girning)
Teeth grinding
Faster heart rate
Tremors
Anxiety/Panic
Confusion
Paranoia
Sweating or chills

The Come Down

We want to talk about ‘coming down’ from your Ecstasy use. This is the after-effects of taking drugs for several hours or days. Comedowns will differ from person to person but the symptoms can be both physical and emotional.

These can include: - Headaches - Exhaustion - Reduced Appetite - ‘THE FEAR’ – The dread, the worry, the panic - Feeling stressed and anxious.

It’s always good to remember that a comedown won’t last forever, it’s just the drugs leaving your system so try and look after yourself and (if possible) hang out with people that make you feel good.

Harm Reduction

take ¼ or ½ tablet to test it’s strength and effects, wait up to 2 hours before you re-dose.
Avoid mixing with other drugs.
Avoid mixing with alcohol as this makes you more dehydrated and can lead to overdose.
Try not to drink more than 1 pint of water per hour – do not over drink as this is also dangerous.

Overdose Signs and Symptoms

Anyone can overdose using Ecstasy, whether it is your first time using or your 100th time.

A stimulant overdose can often look like:

Hot and flushed sweaty skin
Headache and chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Severe agitation or panic

If you are worried about someone, you can:

Call an ambulance (you won’t get in trouble for doing this, even if drugs are involved)
Keep an eye on the persons breathing
If no response, move them into the recovery position
Stay with the person until paramedics arrive
If you can, tell the paramedic as much information as possible (the drug taken, the dosage)