Ecstasy is not physically addictive. However, the drug can often take on great importance in people's lives. Taken too often, it loses its special appeal and users may move onto other things. MDMA takes effect 20 to 40 minutes after taking a tablet with little rushes of exhilaration which can be accompanied by nausea. 60 to 90 minutes after taking the drug, the user feels the peak effects.
Sensations are enhanced, music appears to sound better.
Users report that the experience is very pleasant and highly controllable. Even at the peak of the drug's effect, people can easily bring themselves down to deal with an important matter. The effect that makes MDMA different from other drugs is the sensation of understanding and accepting others. Users feel as though barriers disappear and people feel less inhibited. This is caused by MDMA's action upon the chemicals in the brain.