Ecstasy use increases heart rate, blood pressure; eventually shrinks brain

Also known as a “party drug”, the illegal drug ecstasy is known for its initial euphoric effects. It makes a user feel more alert, energetic, and affectionate. But coming down, an ecstasy user can feel exhausted, anxious, and paranoid, and suffer other adverse effects.

Ecstasy can also increase heart rate and blood pressure, and eventually shrink the brain, Dr. Bessie Antonio, chief of the toxicology unit of the East Avenue Medical Center, said in a report by Ivan Mayrina on GMA-7’s “24 Oras” on Thursday.

“Tataas ang heart rate mo. Iyong blood pressure mo tataas kasi nga it affects the brain. Iyong release of your tinatawag nating neurohormones. So kapag tumaas ang neurohormones mo, there will come a time na magiging depleted iyan,” she said.

Even if a user does not die or suffer any immediate adverse reactions to the drug upon taking it, it can leave lasting and even permanent effects.

“Depende sa reaksyon ng katawan at siyempre kung gaano ka na katagal gumagamit,” Antonio said. “Kasi siyempre kung matagal ka ng gumagamit, affected na iyong system mo. Magkakaroon ng epekto sa iyo, hindi man physically, mentally, kasi liliit utak mo eh.”

This party drug has a similar effect with methamphetamine hydrochloride o shabu.

Ecstasy, also known as E, X or MDMA (shorthand for its chemical name methylenedioxymethamphetamine), has recently been linked to the death of 25-year-old hotel assistant manager Edgel Joy Durolfo last Friday. According to her fiance and their friends, she had taken ecstasy some hours before suffering seizures and becoming unconscious.

On the other hand, her death certificate said she died of asphyxia by manual strangulation.

In an interview with GMA News, "Ann," a former ecstasy user, shared her experience with the popular party drug.

“After a bit, mafi-feel mo anything is heightened music, touch, everything is so good. You feel so good,” she said.

Ann also noted that anyone wearing sunglasses at a party or concert may have taken ecstasy as it makes them sensitive to glaring lights. They are also hyperactive and warm, usually offering hugs.

But after the good sensations, users will feel the other side of ecstasy.

“Sobrang anxious ka, anxiety attack talaga... Sobrang nagpa-palpitate ka and then you get so tired, parang gusto mo na lang humiga kaya lang ang bilis pa rin ng heartbeat mo. Tapos pagod ka, sobrang uhaw ka,” she said. — Trisha Macas/BM, GMA News