3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy", Molly ") is a widely known amphetamine derivative with relation to mescaline "another hallucinogen "and is frequently abused for its euphoric and stimulating effects. In 1985, MDMA was officially classified as a Schedule I controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for its high abuse potential and questionable application clinically. However, the popularity of MDMA continued to spread among the younger population, predominantly at large dance and club scenes such as "Raves ". Like any unauthorized and prohibited drugs, Ecstasy is illegally distributed at varying doses and purities in a single dosage, leading to increased reports of intoxication amongst its recreational users. Still, there is a perception of MDMA being a safe drug, leading to an expanding market for its illicit trafficking. Neurotoxicity of serotonergic (5-HT) neurons have been characterized in multiple studies and toxic or fatal dose ranges are often available in a perceived recreational dosage. Animal studies have been the main source of existent knowledge on MDMA toxicity and effects, but much more evidence is needed for further assessing this drug as a whole. .
MDMA "though related to amphetamine "has its own unique set of "entactogen " effects including: empathy, closeness to others, and emotional relaxation. Both acute and chronic effects of MDMA have been documented. From animal studies, MDMA has shown ability to potentiate effects of both dopamine (the reward system) and norepinephrine release at synaptic gaps. However, its major mechanism of action is at serotonergic neurons. MDMA has an increased affinity for 5-HT neurons due to its methylenedioxy group. In rats' brains, MDMA has been able to induce an acute, rapid initial surge of serotonin. This rapid release of serotonin is significant in the manifestation of euphoria and other MDMA-associated behaviours.
