What They Don't Say About MDMA

3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine

The most dangerous risk currently associated with MDMA is impurity. Putting the risks associated with impurity to the side, the risks posed by MDMA mimic the risks linked to amphetamines. The main side risk of the drug itself is memory loss, although you never know what you're getting with it. Multiple studies, such as the one below (Tanner-Smith. 2005), have gotten the ball "rolling" on our MDMA expectations.

• Only 39% of the tablets studied over a six year period were “pure”, meaning they contained MDMA only.
• 46% of the tablets contained substances other than MDMA
• 15% of the tablets contained MDMA mixed with other substances

The most common substances that were found in the “impure” or “contaminated” tablets were:

• MDA
• Methamphetamine
• Caffeine
• DXM
• Pseudo-ephedrine

Also found less commonly, but present nonetheless were:

• Dimethoxyamphetamine (DOB)
• Heroin
• Ketamine
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA)

Water Can Be Worse

MDMA appears to decrease heat loss by constricting the blood vessels near the skin. Along with physical exertion, most users experience a substantial rise in body temperature. MDMA is also thought to alter the body’s normal thirst response, which can lead to dehydration.  Since most users are familiar this effect, there has been many cases involving “water intoxication” from over-hydrating. This can lead to hyponatremia, which dilutes the blood and causes swelling of the brain.  

We can't stop you from taking the drug, but sipping water every half hour is safer than chugging a lot at once. With MDMA, the risk of both dehydration and over-hydration is unlike many others because at the same time that your body temperature is rising, you have fluid retention. We all know women can be complicated and "Molly" can be a bitch if there's no balance in her life.