ecstasy tablets

Ecstasy

Nicknames:

E, Adam, XTC, disco biscuits, diet pills, love doves, rhubarb and custard, Dennis the menace, shamrocks, sweeties, etc.

What does it look like?

Ecstasy tablets come in different sizes and colours, and often have a simple picture or logo such as a smiling face, the letter "e" or a dove.

The highs:

About 30 minutes after taking an ecstasy tablet you start to feel a buzzing sensation all over. Effects of the drug can include suspension of fear, and an increased ability to interact with others, partly due to the suppression of the insecurities and fears. You'll also react differently depending on what surroundings you're in. If you're in a club, you'll dance for hours on end without feeling tired, as you'll have so much energy. Although you can be just as happy chilling out in a quieter area. Depending on the quality, the trip can last anything between three and eight hours.

The lows:

You'll have a dry mouth, your blood pressure goes up, your heart starts beating faster and you may start hallucinating. You may also feel sick. Later on, when the high has worn off, you'll feel tired and depressed, possibly lasting a couple of days. If you have taken a big dose, you might feel restless and confused, and not able to sleep. Although there is no hard evidence of the longterm effects, some of the symptoms can include weight loss, chronic exhaustion, flashbacks and depression. Serious side effects can include coma, kidney failure and over heating.

The law:

Ecstasy is a Class A drug, in the same category as heroin and cocaine. So it's illegal to have, give it or sell it. (see Drugs - The Law for more information.)

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Reproduced with kind permission of NHS Direct Wales - www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/theroom