Its popularity has skyrocketed in the past 5 years and recreational use has spread beyond raves, or techno-style dance parties where it is most commonly found. Despite the hypersensitivity that MDMA causes, it is considered neurotoxic, or nerve-damaging. While not proven to be physically addictive, there is a strong mental urge to repeat the experience. Long-term use produces reduction in serotonin levels, which plays a major role in mood and emotion. After ingestion, the onset is anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours.
Most users experience a short period of paranoia while their bodies adjust to the rush of the drug.
Nausea and dissociation are also common. Sometimes, when Ecstasy users do not know how to deal with these feelings, they are likely to wind up in emergency rooms, which are poorly equipped to deal with mental breakdowns of this nature. During this plateau, there are feelings of love and empathy, euphoria, and an overall sense of peace. Users almost always feel a sense of connection with each other. This combined with the heightened sensitivity gives way to unalloyed affection.