Ecstasy
Long Term effects
A person may experience:
• Forgetfulness, poor concentration and Feeling depressed (sad). Sometimes, sad feelings happen a few days after taking Ecstasy. The person may even think about killing him- or herself.
• Tiredness, sleeping problems, confusion, panic and paranoia
The Danger of Long-term Use
Long term use of Ecstasy may cause the brain to slow or permanently stop its production of serotonin. Without this natural brain chemical, the people can no longer control moods, sleep, pain, emotion and appetite. The result is long term depression and anxiety.
• A risk of liver damage if the person is a frequent user. A rash that looks like acne could be a sign of liver damage.
• Damage to teeth and jaws from jaw clenching
• Aggressive behaviour (becoming violent)
• Death from kidney or heart failure caused by lack of water in the body (dehydration) or an abnormally high body temperature (hyperthermia)
Other Risks
• Dancing or other physical activity can cause dehydration, high blood pressure and an increase in body temperature and may result in muscle breakdown and heart and kidney failure that can occur quickly.
• Ecstasy can interfere with blood clotting, causing easy bruising and/or bleeding from the mouth, nose and intestines. In severe cases, a person may bleed to death.
• Ecstasy is not legal, so pills sold as Ecstasy may contain other very harmful drugs (LSD, speed, heroin or ephedrine).
• Regular use may cause long-term or lasting damage to learning and memory functions of the brain.
• A “bad trip” may occur – the person may become anxious, have convulsions (violent muscle spasms) and may not know what is real (psychotic).
• Some people have flashbacks (feeling the effects of the drug days or weeks l
• Some people experience a need or craving for the drug.
Sources
- GCSE REVISION Guides biology
