19 Ecstasy Symptoms and Warning Signs to Never Ignore

Here we will discuss common physical, psychological and behavioral symptoms associated with MDMA- a psychoactive drug also known as ecstasy.

If you suspect that a loved one may be abusing ecstasy, it is essential to obtain help immediately, as long-term effects can include: brain damage, organ failure, and psychological disorders.

Continue reading to discover if your loved one may be showing signs of MDMA use.

1. High levels of stimulation

The most well-known symptom of ecstasy use is a heightened reaction to stimulation. 

Something as simple as touching the arm of someone on ecstasy may give them exaggerated or high pleasure. Additionally, this drug may cause increased sensitivity to light and sound.

2. Unusual levels of energy

Ecstasy users tend to stay awake for long periods due to increased energy and focus. 

Look for signs of sleep deprivation or abnormal sleep patterns, such as staying awake during the night and crashing during the day.

3. Abnormal positive behavior

Ecstasy places users into a euphoric state that may cause them to :

• Act more friendly than normal
• Dance for long periods
• Feel emotional peace 
• Have increased empathy
• Be unusually helpful

4. Pain is dulled

Ecstasy triggers the release of “feel good” hormones such as serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin which interfere with pain modulation.

Pay attention to how your loved one reacts to new pain and copes with existing pain that has proved to be an issue in the past. 

5. Irregular body temperature

Ecstasy interferes with the body’s ability to regulate body temperature. Therefore a user may have chills or overheat at inappropriate times.  

6. Nausea

When a foreign hormone-altering substance enters a person’s body, the brain treats the toxin as a poison and triggers nausea to expel the substance. 

Loss of appetite or vomiting may signify drug abuse. 

7. Collapse

Collapse is rare but may occur after an “ecstasy binge.” 

Reasons for collapsing may be from:

• Low food intake
• Sleep deprivation
• Dehydration
• Nervous system shut-down

8. Dehydration

Ecstasy is a neurological and central nervous system stimulant that puts your body into overdrive.

When stimulants are taken, the brain struggles to send thirst signals, and the nervous system uses an excessive amount of water as an energy source to keep up with the overworked body. 

9. Increased heart rate

Stimulants speed brain and body function, resulting in tachycardia.

Signs of increased heart to look for:

Shortness of breath

Red/flush face

Lightheadedness

Fatigue

Mention of chest pain or a racing heart

10. Vertigo

Many ecstasy symptoms like an increased heart rate, low food intake, sleep deprivation, and more can cause vertigo. 

A person may be dealing with vertigo if they are clumsy, dizzy, or have trouble hearing.

11. Tight muscles

Ecstasy affects the nervous system drastically, resulting in users having tight muscles. 

You may notice muscle cramps, back pain, or a clenched jaw in someone using ecstasy.

12. Change in confidence or self-image

Ecstasy can take users on an emotional rollercoaster due to the changes in their hormone levels.

When high, users may have a newfound or enhanced sense of self-worth or confidence, and during the comedown, they may show a loss of inhibition.

13. Weight loss

The low appetite, nausea, vomiting, and excessive burning of calories caused by ecstasy use may result in dramatic weight loss. 

Weight loss of four or more pounds per week is considered dramatic.

14. Confusion and memory problems

When a person comes down from ecstasy use, their serotonin levels deplete, resulting in confusion and short-term memory issues.

Signs of confusion and memory issues may be an inability to follow a conversation, understand and complete simple tasks, or increased forgetfulness

15. Distorted perception of time

Ecstasy distorts many senses, including the perception of time. Users may become absorbed in activities for hours or feel that time is moving extremely slowly. 

16 Eye issues

Changes in hormone levels and lack of sleep, water, and food may cause eye issues such as blurred vision, dilated pupils, and unusual eye movements

17. Paranoia and anxiety

Both the high and comedown of ecstasy can cause feelings of paranoia and anxiety.

Symptoms may include:

• Delusions
• An unwarranted fear that something bad might happen
• Nervousness
• Panic attacks

18. Abnormal sexual behavior

Because ecstasy stimulates the senses, sexual pleasure is heightened, and users may have a change in sexual habits such as:

• Increased sexual drive
• Seeking multiple sexual partners
• Effortless arousal

19. Request for help

When drug abuse becomes frequent or out of control, a user may express the desire to receive help either verbally or emotionally.  

If you suspect that someone is using drugs and has a mental breakdown, comes to you for emotional support, or confides in you about experimenting with drugs, you should seek help.

Contact a quality treatment center such as Hollywood Hills Recovery to learn more about the rehabilitation process and what you can do to help your loved ones. 

If your loved one is exhibiting these symptoms, there may be another health issue taking place. However, if you feel these symptoms result from drug abuse, you should seek help immediately.