What are the different types of ecstasy?

Dear curious X, 

Ecstasy is a street drug most commonly made by pressing MDMA powder into a small tablet. Ecstasy has a number of street names: E, X, Lover’s Speed, or the Hug Drug are a few common ones. Taking ecstasy increases the amount of chemicals like serotonin and dopamine in your body. These can make you feel happy, outgoing, and aroused. But its negative side effects can overload your heart or other parts of your body, especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs. These unintended effects can be more likely if you take high dosages of MDMA or multiple pills at the same time.  

What are the different kinds of ecstasy tablets? 

While ecstasy can also take powder form, it’s usually found in the form of tablets. These tablets often come in bright colors and are stamped with the logos of recognizable brands (like Motorola or Mitsubishi), iconic characters, and sports teams, among others. The different kinds of tablets sometimes have different reputations, as you mention, and the logos help people identify which types they use. These logos can also signal to users where it came from and take advantage of pre-existing brand loyalties.  

Is ecstasy stamped with the same brand all made the same? 

Not all ecstasy is created equal, and two tablets of the same “brand” might have very different compositions. Drugs are frequently combined or cut with other substances. Tablets of ecstasy might contain other ingredients like baking soda, cocaine, speed, or ketamine. In fact, some studies have found some ecstasy tablets that don’t contain any MDMA at all. 

What is ‘stacking’ when it comes to substance use?  

Some people who use ecstasy or other drugs choose to ‘stack’ substances, meaning they’re using multiple substances at once. Others will take multiple in a short period of time, which is sometimes called ‘piggybacking.’ 

While these practices can increase the effects of the drugs, they can also increase the risk of experiencing unwanted side effects. This is especially true if the drugs you’re using don’t react well when taken together. When you take two of anything at a time, it’s twice as likely that you might be ingesting something you don’t want to. Plus, some tablets contain much higher doses of MDMA than others. So, two or three could make up a higher dose than you’re anticipating. 

How can you reduce risks when using ecstasy?  

If you do choose to use ecstasy recreationally, there are some precautions you can take to reduce your risk of drug-related side effects, injury, or overdose. Some approaches to this may include: 

• Testing your tablets. This can reduce the risk of using anything that is laced or cut with something else, such as fentanyl. Organizations such as DanceSafe or your local health department may have different harm reduction tools to help you test what may be in your substances.  
• Avoiding using multiple substances at one time. This will reduce the strain on your heart, liver, and kidney as your body processes the substances.  
• To the best of your knowledge, keeping your dosage low. Most ecstasy tablets contain anywhere from 50 to 150 milligrams (mg) of MDMA. Dosages above 175 mg run a high risk of overdose. The exact amount of MDMA that will make you feel high without negative side effects will differ from person to person. Given the variability in tablet composition, you may experience different results each time you take ecstasy. For example, avoid using multiple substances at one time.  
• Considering your social circle. If you choose to use ecstasy, doing so with people you trust may be the difference between getting support or being left if something goes wrong.  
• Having support tools close by. Carrying water or having it close by can reduce your chances of dehydration. Additionally, having a naloxone kit nearby might make you feel more confident and prepared for your experience if the substances are laced with opioids.    

Where can you learn more? 

There are a number of resources that provide more info about substances themselves, along with harm reduction techniques while using these substances. They may also have more info about syringe programs and how to test your substances. Some of these may include: 

• DanceSafe 
• Drugs and Me 
• A local department of health (DOH) or Safe Syringe Program 
• The Office of Addiction Services and Support  

You can never go wrong in being as informed as possible about the substances you’re choosing to use. Stay curious and keep up the good work of asking these kinds of questions!