MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly, is considered an empathogen or an entactogen, meaning that it may produce feelings of empathy or connection. The act of taking MDMA is commonly referred to as rolling. MDMA was originally used in couple’s therapy before it was made illegal in 1985. Even after it became an illegal Schedule 1 substance in the U.S., MDMA became popular in the rave scene before eventually becoming the subject of clinical trials investigating its use as a potential treatment for PTSD.
How to Take MDMA
Things to Know
- MDMA lasts about 5 hours
- A standard dose is about 100 mg
- MDMA can be euphoric, connective, energetic, or agitating
- It can also inspire feelings of love and compassion
- It is very important to test MDMA to make sure it’s not mixed with other adulterants
Forms of MDMA
MDMA comes in various forms including:
- MDMA Powder: White powder that often comes inside capsules
- Crystal MDMA: Crystal rocks that are white or brown in color that are often packaged inside capsules. Crystal MDMA can also appear purple1 in color and is crushed to ingest.
- Ecstasy Pills: These are pressed pills that come in different colors, which may also feature designs, and may be mixed with other substances.
How long does MDMA last?
MDMA typically lasts about five hours. The effects usually kick in within the first half hour to forty minutes, and peak from around 90 to 120 minutes.
MDMA Dosage
A typical dose of MDMA is between 80 and 125 milligrams. Some people may prefer a little more or less for their own desired effects. Some MDMA pills have a higher dosage of 200-260mg and are meant to be cut in half for two separate doses; this is indicated by a line down the middle. In some cases, an individual may want to take a booster dose of about half the original dose about an hour or maximum two hours into their experience.
Effects of MDMA: What Does Molly Feel Like?
While the effects of MDMA vary from person to person, MDMA is generally more reliably consistent than other psychedelics like psilocybin or LSD. A person can usually expect to experience feelings of euphoria, empathy, compassion, self acceptance, and social connection. Hence, MDMA has been nicknamed the Love Drug. Physically, MDMA may make a person feel more in their body, and sensitive to tactile sensation. It also has stimulant effects, which may make a person feel more energetic, wanting to dance or stretch. In other cases, someone taking MDMA may want to feel calm and cozy. In some cases, it may cause a person to feel agitated, grind their teeth, and experience a dry mouth, locking in the jaw, or feel an increased blood pressure and heart rate.
Side Effects of MDMA
The side effects of MDMA during the experience might include dry mouth, anxiety, fluctuating feelings of warmth or coldness, clenched jaw, lack of appetite, thirst, and increased energy. In the days following an MDMA experience, a person might feel a little bit down or lethargic, have a decreased appetite, or experience slight changes to immune function.2 MDMA can also impact a person’s ability to regulate their body temperature which can cause them to overheat, especially in hot club environments or in hot tubs.
MDMA Comedown
MDMA comedowns may be related to impure MDMA, dosages that are too high, not waiting long enough in between rolls, and a lack of general wellbeing and healthy lifestyle. On the ride down from the peak of a roll, a person may feel jittery or anxious. It’s also possible to feel dizzy. It’s also important to stay hydrated during this comedown (not just while tripping) as the body is using energy to return to equilibrium. Drinking water with electrolytes is preferable to maintain the proper salt balance in the body if the MDMA experience increases body temperature and thirst.
How to Test Molly
It’s very important to test MDMA to make sure that it is pure and not misrepresented as another compound, or combined with or masking an adulterant. Many brands of MDMA test kits are available. They generally include a variety of reagents that change colors to help differentiate between MDMA and other potential substances. Not only is there a risk of counterfeit MDMA, but also counterfeit MDMA test kits. For this reason, it’s important to purchase a kit from a trusted source, such as DanceSafe.
