From the similarity of the chemical structure, Ecstasy is said is to be a mild hallucinogen and an amphetamine (Kalant 2). .
Ecstasy was originally created in 1912 by the German company, Merck and Company. When the company discovered the drug, it was unplanned because they were trying to synthesize Hydrastinin (Holland, Seminar). It was then forgotten for about two years. Then on May 16, 1914, Ecstasy was patented in Darnstadt, Germany. It was merely patented as a chemical "for products of potential pharmaceutical value" (Gamma). The drug was later tried as a diet pill but researchers then found the effects of the drug were too harmful and dangerous. Therefore, the drug was never marketed (Gamma). It wasn't until the 1970's when psychotherapist discovered the drug's potential to enhance feelings and mind release. They started to use the drug to treat various disorders and help very ill patients. Effects from using the drug were both negative and positive (Greer). .
Ecstasy has many effects on a person and their body. These effects can vary from person to person because of dosage, purity, other substances present in the body, mind-set and/or setting (Leonard 12). The effects of Ecstasy will take place 20-40 minutes after intake, it will peak at 60-90 minutes, and it will diminish ranging from 3-5 hours after ingesting (Leonard 13). .
While under the influence of MDMA, the user will start to experience various feelings. These feelings may include enhanced energy, endurance, sociability, sexual arousal, and/or increase pleasure (Kalant 1). With these desired effects, ecstasy has been seen commonly at raves and nightclubs (Kolchik 1). People in these environments may take this drug to get the feeling of being able to "dance all night." .
The effects from Ecstasy are countless. This drug has mostly negative effects on a person's body. Ecstasy has both serious and less serious effects to a human being.
