Table of Contents
Key Points
- MDMA is a synthetic drug with stimulant and mild entactogenic or empathogenic effects; it also has some hallucinogenic properties, but is not classified as a classic psychedelic.
- MDMA is often referred to as Molly (purportedly in powder form) or Ecstasy (tablet form), and is frequently used as a ‘club drug.’
- MDMA can start affecting an individual within 45 minutes of taking a dose, but it stays in the system for much longer.
- MDMA has a half-life of approximately eight hours. It can take around 40 hours (five half-lives) for it to be mostly eliminated from the bloodstream, though metabolites may remain detectable longer depending on the testing method.
- Detection windows for MDMA can vary widely depending on the type of drug test used, ranging from a couple of days to three months.
- There are many dangers of MDMA, including severe physical and mental side effects, risk of overdose, and legal consequences, among others.
- MDMA addiction is possible, and help is available through substance use and rehabilitation counselors and treatment centers.
- While researchers are studying the medical implications (if any) of MDMA, there is currently no safe use of this drug.
MDMA can remain in the bloodstream for up to 40–45 hours, but its metabolites can be detected in urine for 2–4 days, in saliva for 1–2 days, and in hair for up to 90 days. People using ecstasy will stop feeling the effects within a few hours, but traces of the drug will remain in the system for significantly longer. A urine test can detect the presence of Molly for up to three days. For a saliva test, there’s a slightly shorter detection window. A hair follicle test can detect MDMA for 90 days after the last dose.
What Is MDMA?
MDMA, better known as Molly or Ecstasy, is a synthetic drug that has both stimulant and psychedelic properties. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has classified MDMA as a Schedule I controlled substance because of its high risk of abuse. [1] While MDMA is not yet approved for general medical use, it has been granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the FDA for use in treating PTSD and is undergoing phase 3 clinical trials.
MDMA is colloquially known as one of several “club drugs” often abused at parties and nightclubs by teens and young adults. Other club drugs include ketamine, LSD, and methamphetamine. [2]
Effects of MDMA: Getting A Clearer Picture
Individuals who take MDMA may begin to feel the effects of the drug within about 45 minutes of taking a dose. [3] MDMA increases the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. As a result, people may start to feel energized, and their mood is enhanced. Many people report feeling a sense of warmth, and they may be more open to forming connections with others. The effects of MDMA usually last around three hours, but this can vary.
Common Side Effects of MDMA
MDMA can cause short-term side effects that can be unpleasant or, in some cases, dangerous. These side effects may include:
- Unintentional teeth clenching (bruxism)
- Blurred vision
- Chills
- Sweating
- Hyperthermia
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
Dangers of MDMA
The use of MDMA is associated with several potentially dangerous consequences. Since there is currently no medical application for this drug, it should be avoided altogether.
Mental Health Effects of MDMA
Using MDMA regularly can cause adverse mental health effects, including:
- Insomnia
- Confusion
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Panic attacks
- Memory problems
- Attention problems
- Loss of appetite
Physical Health Effects of Ecstasy
In addition to the immediate side effects of MDMA, this drug can also cause long-term health effects, including:
- Problems with blood flow in the brain
- Low blood pressure (i.e., hypotension)
- Long-term teeth grinding and jaw clenching
- Erosion of back molars
- Muscle pains in the lower back and neck
Overdose Risk
While MDMA is less commonly associated with fatal overdoses compared to opioids, overdose risks still exist. High doses of ecstasy can lead to a dramatic rise in body temperature, which can have devastating consequences such as: [7]
- Kidney failure
- Heart failure
- Liver failure
- Brain swelling
- Death
Drug Lacing
MDMA, or ecstasy, is an illicit drug. This makes it prone to being laced by manufacturers or drug dealers. Other dangerous substances could be added to Molly without the knowledge of the person purchasing or using the drug. These substances could present dangers of their own, and they might also worsen side effects and increase the risk of overdose from MDMA use.
Common substances that contaminate MDMA include:
- Ketamine
- Amphetamine
- Synthetic cathinones (i.e., bath salts)
- Methamphetamine
- 3,4-methylendioxy-amphetamine (MDA)
Legal Consequences of Ecstasy Use
Aside from the severe physical and mental health effects MDMA can cause, manufacturing, using, or selling this drug can have serious legal consequences. Having even a small amount of MDMA can result in a felony drug possession offense.
Not only can a felony be punished with high fines and jail time, but having a felony on your record can prevent you from employment opportunities in the future. Failing a drug test due to MDMA use may impact employment opportunities, especially in safety-sensitive or federally regulated industries.
Understanding MDMA Detection: Timeline & Signs
How Long Does MDMA Stay in Your System?
The half-life of MDMA is approximately eight hours. [9] It takes about five half-lives for the drug to leave the system, so that MDMA can remain in the body for roughly 40 hours. You’ll stop experiencing the effects of ecstasy much sooner, and it can stay in bodily fluids and hair follicles for much longer.
What Is the Detection Window for MDMA?
The detection window for ecstasy will depend on the type of drug test being administered. The testing method used may be a urine test, saliva test, or hair follicle test, for example. Depending on which type of test is used, detection windows can vary from a few days to three months.
For example, ecstasy can be detected in urine for up to three days after the last dose.[10] In saliva, the detection window is slightly shorter, at one to two days after use.[11] Hair follicle tests can detect MDMA use for up to 90 days, but they are less sensitive for infrequent users and typically only confirm repeated or high-dose use. [12]
Signs of MDMA Addiction
People who use MDMA regularly may become addicted to ecstasy. The American Psychiatric Association lists symptoms of substance use disorder in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Some of these symptoms of MDMA addiction include:
- Using more MDMA than planned or for a more extended period than intended
- Spending a lot of time getting Molly, using it, or recovering from it
- Using this drug even in risky situations
- Having trouble meeting responsibilities due to MDMA use
- Continuing to use ecstasy even though it’s causing problems in your life
- Needing higher doses of Molly to achieve the same high (i.e., building tolerance)
- Unsuccessful attempts to stop using or reduce the use of MDMA
- Giving up other activities in your life so you can use Molly
- Experiencing withdrawal effects after abstaining from ecstasy for some time
Withdrawal Symptoms of MDMA
People who are addicted to MDMA report specific withdrawal symptoms when abstaining from the drug for some time. These withdrawal effects can include:
- Muscle cramping
- Sleep problems
- Aggression
- Impulsive behavior
- Irritability
- Depression
- Trouble focusing
- Memory loss
- Loss of libido
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
MDMA Addiction Treatment Solutions
If you or a loved one is experiencing signs of MDMA addiction, help is available. Treatment of substance use disorder can be successful, but it’s essential to reach out for professional assistance. A substance use and rehabilitation counselor can help you explore treatment options. These may include detox services, inpatient treatment, intensive outpatient services, and relapse support. Don’t give up hope–you’re not alone in the battle against substance abuse.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Long MDMA Stays in the System
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