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Side Effects of Ecstasy

Monday, August 10, 2009
Related Tags: ecstasy | hyponatremia | effects | heatstroke | sodium
 

Instructions

Short-Term Effects

  • Step 1:
    The initial effects of Ecstasy usually include a feeling of euphoria as the drug is absorbed into your bloodstream. However, after ingesting the drug, you may begin to feel dehydrated, thirsty or have symptoms that resemble heatstroke, including confusion and profuse sweating. Other effects may include nausea, muscle tension, visual disturbances, chills, teeth clenching and depression. According to Clear Haven, a rehabilitation center near Montreal, users of Ecstasy have also reported feeling paranoid, feeling faint, losing consciousness, having seizures or experiencing great anxiety.

Other Effects

  • Step 1:
    Other effects of Ecstasy include increased heart rate, chills and sleeping disorders. You may also crave the use of other drugs while on Ecstasy. According to an abstract by the University of East London's Department of Psychology, the use of Ecstasy can also result in psychiatric disorders, altered appetite, loss of sexual interest and cognitive deficits.

Long-Term Effects

  • Step 1:
    According to Clear Haven, a study that was conducted by the Journal of Neuroscience found that Ecstasy can cause damage to the brain. This damage occurs in the areas responsible for thought and memory. Ecstasy can also cause your serotonin levels to drop dramatically. This can lead to an impairment of mood regulation, and disrupt your brain's thought processes. Serotonin receptors also gradually shrink with the prolonged use of Ecstasy.

Hyponatremia

  • Step 1:
    Hyponatremia occurs when sodium in your blood levels drops dramatically. Sodium is considered an electrolyte. Electrolytes help to balance water levels within your cells. Users of Ecstasy may overcompensate by drinking too much water, which can cause the body to lose massive quantities of sodium. According to the Mayo Clinic, death has resulted from hyponatremia, which can lead to nausea and vomiting, headaches, confusion, seizures, spasms of the muscles, loss of consciousness and possible coma.

Possible Death

  • Step 1:
    According to Brown University, one of the biggest concerns when using Ecstasy is the potential risk for heatstroke. Ecstasy contains norepinephrine, a chemical released into your body after ingesting the drug. As a result, your heart rate increases, which can be dangerous in individuals who have a pre-existing heart condition such as cardiovascular disease.

Resources

Photo/Video Credit

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Side Effects of Ecstasy Provided by eHow.com
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