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Ecstasy: Dangers and Controversies
Author(s) -
Pham Jina V.,
Puzantian Talia
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
pharmacotherapy: the journal of human pharmacology and drug therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.227
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1875-9114
pISSN - 0277-0008
DOI - 10.1592/phco.21.20.1561.34474
Subject(s) - ecstasy , feeling , psychology , psychiatry , adverse effect , recreational drug , legalization , mdma , addiction , appeal , empathy , medicine , drug , social psychology , pharmacology , political science , law
Ecstasy is a recreational drug that is increasing in popularity, particularly in young adolescents. Its appeal involves its euphoric effects and a feeling of empathy for others (hence the nickname “hug drug”). This appeal may be furthered by a misleading and anecdotal perception of safety. Cases of adverse effects, toxic reactions, and fatalities are increasingly being reported in the medical literature, as well as in the popular press. Adverse effects include hyperthermia, seizures, cardiac abnormalities, and hyponatremia. Long‐term Ecstasy use may result in serotonin terminal degeneration and depletion, which may result in psychiatric and cognitive sequelae. Controversy surrounds the legalization of Ecstasy for medicinal purposes.