Also known as

• E
• MDMA
• XTC (in US and Australia)
• X (in US and Australia).

What is ecstasy?

Ecstasy usually comes as tablets. Occasionally it comes as capsules or as a powder for snorting, inserting into the arse or sometimes mixing with water for injecting.

The drug causes the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain (dopamine and serotonin).

Genuine ecstasy is the mood-altering drug methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). However, pills these days vary a lot and what's now sold as E may have little or no MDMA in it but be adulterated with things such as amphetamine, ketamine, aspirin, caffeine, LSD or MDA-type drugs. Pills often come branded with logos, but these are often copied, so what's in them may be nothing like other pills carrying the same marks.

What's the attraction?

About half an hour after taking MDMA you may feel relaxed or energetic as you come up. Sights and sounds are enhanced or appreciated more, making it popular in dance clubs. Inhibitions are lowered, with a feeling of euphoria and being ‘loved up’ (feeling empathy, openness and closeness to others). The sense of touch is enhanced.

Effects can last three to four hours.

E and sex

Over the years the MDMA content of ecstasy pills has dropped, but traditionally sex on E gives increased arousal and a heightened sense of touch. You might feel more warmth and empathy towards the man you're with.

E can make you feel more attractive (and make men look more attractive to you!). But it often stops people getting or keeping a hard-on or makes it harder to come. ‘Secstasy’ is the combination of E with Viagra-type drugs designed to get round erection difficulties.

Like most drugs, people can find they're more likely to have unsafe sex when their inhibitions have been lowered by the drug.