Authorities relatively ignored MDMA until the late 1970's when it began to reemerge in Europe. The drug is typically taken orally, usually in tablet or powder form, and its effects last from four to six hours.
Users report feeling relaxed, positive, empathetic, and extremely happy.
It is also used as an aid to suppress hunger and sleep. To date no substantial reports exist proving that it is physically or mentally addictive though immediate effects include hallucinations, nausea, teeth and muscle cramping, chills, sweats, increase in body heat and blurred vision. Reported after effects include sleep problems, high blood pressure, anxiety, and paranoia. Several recent studies on primates show that heavy exposure to MDMA can deplete serotonin neurons, which are thought to play a role in regulating mood, memory, sleep, and appetite. However, the study found that compared to nonusers, heavy MDMA users had significant impairments in visual and verbal memory.