The New Straits Times, June 10, 1996
Q: What is Ecstasy and is the claim that it is the 'drug with no side-effect' true?
A: Ecstasy is the street name for a chemical compound MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine). It is also known by other names like XTC, Adam, AKA or simple E. It is often in the form of white or off-white tablets.
Being closely related to the commonly abused amphetamines, it generally has amphetamine-like stimulant properties. This can give rise to numerous side-effects - some immediate, others delayed.
As with amphetamine, the main effects are characterised by a 'fight-or-flight' type of reaction, seemingly giving the abuser boundless energy, although these are less potent that those of amphetamine. The grinding of the teeth (trismus) are more common with Ecstasy than amphetamine. Some individuals complain of feeling sick or having a headache.
Many of the more severe effects of Ecstasy are believed to be linked to how it is used. The stimulant properties of the drug can lead individuals to over-exercise (or dance for lengthy periods). Depending on the level of activity and especially in hot conditions, this can lead to (a) dehydration or later exhaustion, (b) hyperpyrexia (elevated body temperature) and (c) rhabdomyolsis (breakdown of skeletal muscle) each of this in turn results in different adverse effects, for instance: acute renal failure, convulsions and brain damage, extreme fatigue, or cramps.
Hyperpyrexia seems to play an important role in many aspects of severe Ecstasy activity including effects on the brain. It may trigger convulsions or collapse, and further fuels the process of rhabdomyolsis. This may in turn result in acute renal failure, either via muscle breakdown products accumulating in the kidney tubules or via disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Rhabdomyolsis is nit always easy to diagnose because although it often produces muscle pain, swelling and tenderness, many patients are without symptoms, Deaths have been reported, either due to accidents or injury while in intoxicated state.
As the result of its action on some chemicals in the brain, the drug might cause depression in long-term use. Like amphetamine, it can also trigger temporary or persistent psychosis (insanity). Other delayed reaction include jaundice, hepatotoxicity (liver toxicity) and 'flashback" i.e. repeatedly experiencing an unpleasant effect some time after the original event.
Immunosuppresant properties have also been attributed to Ecstasy, since the abusers seem more likely to contract cold and other minor infections, depending on their lifestyle.
