The drug MOMA, technically 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), is a synthetic, psychoactive substance sold under street names like Ecstasy or Molly. Classified as an empathogen, its appeal is its ability to induce feelings of emotional closeness and empathy. MDMA is consumed as a tablet or crystalline powder, with its effects altering mood and perception. This substance is structurally similar to both stimulants like methamphetamine and hallucinogens, giving it a unique profile of effects.
Immediate Psychological and Emotional Impact
The main draw of MDMA is the intense wave of positive emotions it produces, with users reporting a sense of euphoria beginning 20 to 60 minutes after taking the drug. This is accompanied by an increase in sociability and feelings of emotional warmth. The drug’s empathogenic qualities foster a sense of deep connection and affection toward others. This altered state also involves changes in sensory perception, such as a heightened sensitivity to physical touch and sound, mild hallucinations, or a distortion of time perception.
Immediate Physical Side Effects
During use, MDMA acts as a stimulant on the central nervous system, triggering a range of physical reactions. One of the most consistent effects is an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Many individuals also experience involuntary jaw clenching (bruxism), as well as muscle aches and tension. A dangerous physical effect is a sharp rise in body temperature, known as hyperthermia, which is particularly risky in crowded, warm environments where users are physically active. Severe hyperthermia can lead to kidney failure or death. Additional side effects include:
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Sweating
- Dehydration
How MDMA Alters Brain Chemistry
The psychological experiences prompted by MDMA result from its interference with the brain’s chemical messaging system. The drug works by increasing the activity of three neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. It triggers a massive release of these chemicals from nerve cells and blocks their reuptake, causing them to build up between neurons.
Serotonin is the neurotransmitter most profoundly affected by MDMA. This chemical plays a large part in regulating mood, empathy, and social behavior, and its sudden, excessive release causes the signature feelings of emotional closeness and euphoria. The drug also boosts dopamine, which is associated with the brain’s reward system and increased energy, and elevates norepinephrine, which increases heart rate and alertness.
The ‘Comedown’ Period
The intense release of serotonin caused by MDMA quickly depletes the brain’s supply of this neurotransmitter. In the days following use, this chemical imbalance leads to a withdrawal period known as the ‘comedown’. The brain can take several days or even weeks to naturally replenish its serotonin levels, leading to a period of negative after-effects. Symptoms during this period are often the opposite of the drug’s effects, and users report feeling depressed, anxious, and irritable. It is also common to experience fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems due to the lowered serotonin levels.
Cognitive and Mood Changes from Long-Term Use
Repeated and heavy use of MDMA can lead to persistent changes in brain structure and function, particularly within the serotonin system. Research has demonstrated that MDMA can damage the nerve cells that produce and transport serotonin. Studies on primates have shown a reduced number of these specific neurons even seven years after exposure, suggesting that some of the damage can be long-lasting.
These lasting changes to the brain can manifest as persistent cognitive and mood problems. Individuals with a history of regular MDMA use often report issues with memory and attention that continue long after they stop taking the drug. Chronic damage to the serotonin system is also linked to long-term mood disturbances, including persistent depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Brain imaging studies of former users have shown decreased activity in regions involved in learning, memory, and emotion processing.