Dependence, addiction and overdose risk

There is no conclusive evidence that ecstasy can be physically addictive. However, regular users can develop tolerance to the drug, meaning that they must take more each time to feel the same effects. This can increase the risk of overdose.

People may become dependent on ecstasy to perform certain activities, such as nightclubbing.

An ecstasy overdose is characterised by very high body temperature and blood pressure, rapid heartbeat and possible hallucinations and convulsions. Death can occur due to:

• over-stimulation, leading to heart attack or brain haemorrhage
• overheating, especially when dancing or during prolonged physical exertion
• drinking too much 'hyponatremia' causing the brain to swell
• taking something that is believed to be ecstasy but isn't. For example, PMA has an higher risk of causing death than MDMA, yet is sometimes sold as ecstasy.