3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) is a synthetic drug very
similar to hallucinogens and stimulants. This drug is also called ecstasy or molly. It
produces feelings of pleasure, warmth, distorted sensory time and perception. MDMA
increases the activity of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. It causes
various health effects such as nausea, sweating, chills, muscle cramping, etc. The effect
of this drug can be seen in 3 to 5 hours in the body. A spike in body temperature can be
seen in MDMA users that can be fatal as it affects the liver, kidney, and heart leading
to death. Addiction to MDMA is not yet proven, however, withdrawal symptoms such
as fatigue and depression are noted. MDMA is usually taken via the mouth or snorting
in the form of tablets or capsules. This drug is also taken or abused along with other
drugs such as LSD, alcohol, and marijuana. MDMA is a scheduled drug with no proven
medical use. MDMA causes a surge of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the
brain to regulate mood, learning, memory, stress, anxiety, etc. This chapter discusses
the effects of MDMA on the human brain.
Keywords: Dopamine, Memory, MDMA on the human brain, Norepinephrine learning.
