MDMA or ecstasy is a Schedule I synthetic, psychoactive drug possessing stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. Ecstasy possesses chemical variations of the stimulant amphetamine or methamphetamine and a hallucinogen, most often mescaline. Illicit use of Ecstasy did not become popular until the late 1980s and early 1990s. Ecstasy is frequently used in combination with other drugs, which increases the users risk of an overdose. However, it is rarely consumed with alcohol, as alcohol is believed to diminish its effects. Ecstasy is most often distributed at late-night parties called "raves", nightclubs, and rock concerts. As the rave and club scene expands to metropolitan and suburban areas across the country, ecstasy use and distribution are increasing as well.

An Ecstasy overdose happens when you consume more Ecstasy than your body can safely handle. Ecstasy users are constantly flirting with drug overdose, and the difference between the high they're seeking and serious injury or death is often quite small.

An Ecstasy overdose is characterized by:

• rapid heartbeat
• high blood pressure
• faintness
• muscle cramping
• panic attacks
• loss of consciousness
• seizures
• hyperthermia
• muscle breakdown
• stroke
• kidney and cardiovascular system failure
• permanent damage to sections of brain critical to thought and memory
• death