How Long Does MDMA Last? Ecstasy Drug Effects

MDMA, also referred to as “Molly,” “ecstasy,” and “X,” is a stimulant and hallucinogen that gained popularity as a party drug for its ability to enhance empathy, sociability, and euphoria. The effects of MDMA can occur within 45 minutes of use and may last three hours. Some of the effects can last much longer, however.[1]

Find out about MDMA effects, how long they last, and what factors influence them.

What Is MDMA?

MDMA is an abbreviation of 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine. It also goes by the names “Molly” and “ecstasy.” MDMA is a lab-made synthetic drug that produces effects similar to stimulants like methamphetamine.

MDMA originally started as a party drug because of its mind-altering effects, but it’s now used in several settings. The drug is found on the illicit market as colorful tablets with imprinted logos, as well as in capsule, powder, or liquid form.

How Does MDMA Work?

MDMA influences the activity of several neurotransmitters – serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine – to alter mood and behavior. The drug works similarly to stimulants and enhances the release of these neurotransmitters or blocks their uptake, increasing their levels in the brain and causing changes in mood, energy levels, and perceptions.

What Are the Effects of MDMA?

MDMA can cause many effects, including:[2]

• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Muscle cramping
• Appetite loss
• Confidence and sociability
• Heightened senses
• Euphoria
• Happiness
• Increased energy
• Hyperactivity
• Teeth grinding
• Increased body temperature and overheating
• Dehydration
• Mood swings

MDMA Half-Life and Detection Times

MDMA has a half-life of around eight hours, which means it takes the body about eight hours to reduce the concentration in the bloodstream by 50%.[3] It can take five half-lives for 95% of the MDMA to be removed from the body, which is about 40 hours.

MDMA drug test detection times can vary by dose and other factors, including the dose and type of test:[4,5,6]

• Blood: Detectable for up to 71 hours
• Saliva: Detectable for up to 71 hours
• Urine: Detectable for up to 120 hours
• Hair: Detectable for months after last use, depending on hair length

Several factors influence how the body metabolizes MDMA, including:

• Dose and frequency of use
• Individual factors like physical health, age, weight, and hydration
• Variations in genes

How Long Do the Effects of MDMA Last?

The effects of MDMA may occur within 45 minutes of a single dose, then they peak within 15 to 30 minutes and last an average of three hours. However, MDMA can have after-effects that may last for a week or longer.

Some people take more than one dose of MDMA within a short period. The metabolites of MDMA can inhibit the body’s processing of the drug so that additional doses can lead to dangerously high concentrations.

Once the MDMA has worn off, a “crash” occurs. This can involve feelings of depression or emotional withdrawal because the neurotransmitters have been depleted.

MDMA Withdrawal

Though there is no formal withdrawal syndrome associated with MDMA use, tolerance and physical dependence can occur with chronic use. Withdrawal from MDMA can include the following symptoms:[7]

• Aggression
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Decreased libido
• Irritability
• Thirst
• Impulsivity
• Sleep disturbances
• Low appetite
• Poor memory

Coming down from MDMA can be affected by many factors, including the amount used, the length of use, other medical or psychiatric conditions, and the use of other drugs.

As the MDMA dose wears off, you may experience withdrawal symptoms within three to six hours of use, which then peak over several days. The withdrawal timeline can include symptoms that last a week or more. Some symptoms persist for much longer, including depression and poor sleep and memory.

MDMA withdrawal is not dangerous in itself, but some of the symptoms can cause complications. For example, severe depression can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions. Nutritional deficiencies may occur from low appetite and poor nutrition.

Can You Become Addicted to MDMA?

MDMA can be addictive. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), MDMA addiction is classified as a hallucinogen use disorder with the following criteria:[8]

• MDMA taken in larger amounts or over longer periods than intended
• A persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to reduce MDMA use
• Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from MDMA use
• Craving MDMA
• Failing to fulfill obligations to work, home, or family because of MDMA use
• Continued MDMA use despite persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems
• Giving up important activities because of MDMA use
• Continuing MDMA use despite persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problems

Treating MDMA Addiction

If you or a loved one is struggling with MDMA addiction, treatment can be effective. This may involve medical detox to overcome the crash that occurs after stopping MDMA. While the withdrawal may not be life-threatening on its own, effects like severe anxiety or depression can be managed with the help of a medical team and supervision.

Once detox is complete, it’s important to transition into an inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment program. MDMA withdrawal can include psychological symptoms that persist for long periods. Addiction treatment involves therapies like behavioral therapies, individual counseling, and group counseling to address the psychological and social aspects of addiction and learn healthier habits.

Get Help for MDMA Addiction

MDMA can be addictive, especially with chronic use. If you or a loved one is struggling with MDMA addiction, it’s important to get help to avoid potentially dangerous side effects or complications.