A.K.A: MD, Ecstasy, E, Molly
MDMA is a stimulant drug that is also an empathogen. MDMA pressed into pill form and sometimes mixed with other stimulants, such as caffeine, is often referred to as ‘ecstasy’.
MDMA speeds up your brain and body functions and can make you feel energetic, confident, and emotionally connected to people around you. It can also make you feel dizzy, agitated, sweaty and anxious.
The effects of MDMA can last for up to 5 hours and are sometimes followed by a comedown, where you may experience low mood, irritability, and anxiety.
Caution
In New Zealand some substances being sold as MDMA are actually synthetic cathinones (bath salts). These drugs can have more unpleasant and unpredictable effects than MDMA.
Related data
New Zealand is losing three people a week to preventable overdose, while hospitalisations from stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine are increasing alongside a recent surge in consumption.
Our annual report compiling coronial and hospitalisation data.
There is common ground among parties on reducing drug harms and supporting addiction treatment, suggesting progress can be made in the next term.