Medically Reviewed by: Eric Chaghouri
MDA and MDMA, recreational drugs commonly referred to by their street names such as Sally, Sass, Molly, or Ecstasy, can often blend into the background or become mistaken for one another. These psychoactive substances are both entactogens and psychedelics, significantly influencing serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine neurotransmitter levels in the brain.
Known formally as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), they can lead to a wide range of side effects and pose severe health risks if abused.
Comparing MDA and MDMA
While MDA (3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine) and MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) might share similarities in their names and chemical structures, it’s crucial to understand that they differ significantly in terms of their pharmacological effects and potential risks. These substances, popular in party scenes and often referred to by their street names—Sassafras or Sass (MDA) and Ecstasy or Molly (MDMA)—have distinctive profiles that set them apart.
The two substances often come in powder or pill form, their appearances giving little clue about their potential to dramatically alter the user’s psychological state. Additionally, these drugs are often adulterated with other substances, such as LSD or Ketamine, which can further exacerbate the risks associated with their use. The exact composition of these pills or powders can be a mystery to the user, adding another layer of danger to their use. When ingested, they can both induce feelings of euphoria and increased sociability, but they can also have a range of unpleasant and dangerous side effects.
Side Effects of MDA
MDA, also known as Sally, Sassafras, or Sass on the street, has a significant impact on the user’s brain, influencing various neurotransmitters and receptors, leading to a broad range of side effects. Like many drugs, the impact of MDA can differ between individuals due to variations in personal neurochemistry, metabolism, and the presence of other substances in the body.
Common side effects of MDA include:
- Nausea and vomiting: Users often report feelings of sickness and a weakened appetite after ingestion, which can impact overall health and nutrition.
- Decreased appetite: The drug can reduce feelings of hunger, leading to weight loss and associated health issues.
- Euphoria: A heightened sense of happiness and wellbeing is a key draw for many users.
- Profuse sweating: This is a sign that the body is responding to the drug and can sometimes lead to dehydration.
- Jaw clenching: This is often accompanied by teeth grinding, which can damage dental health.
- Increased energy: This can lead to overexertion, particularly if the user is dancing or physically active for extended periods.
The after-effects of MDA use can be substantial and often include a significant serotonin drop. This decrease can last for several days and frequently results in a depressive state. Long-term side effects of MDA use can be even more severe and include erectile dysfunction, anxiety, muscle tension, memory loss, headaches, and depression. Among its distinctions, MDA is generally considered more hallucinogenic than MDMA, often providing a longer and more intense high, which has led to its popularity in certain circles.
MDMA’s Side Effects (Ecstasy/Molly)
MDMA, otherwise known as Ecstasy or Molly, also profoundly interacts with the brain, creating a unique blend of physical and emotional effects. It is considered less hallucinogenic than MDA, and its effects tend to be less severe. That being said, it’s still a potent substance that should not be taken lightly.
Some of the common effects of MDMA include:
- Euphoria: MDMA can produce strong feelings of happiness, which can be incredibly intense.
- Heightened senses: This can alter perception, making lights seem brighter, sounds more acute, and touch more sensitive.
- Sense of calm and relaxation: Some users report feeling at peace or in a state of tranquility.
- Empathy toward others: It can create a heightened sense of emotional connection, which might lead to behavior one may not typically engage in.
- Lowered inhibitions: This could potentially result in risk-taking behavior.
- Increased extroversion: The drug often makes users more outgoing and communicative.
The Risks Associated with MDA and MDMA
Both MDA use and MDMA use, while offering profound sensory and emotional experiences, can result in a host of adverse effects.
Neurotoxicity and Brain Health
One of the most concerning aspects of both MDA and MDMA is their potential for neurotoxicity. Studies have shown that these substances can cause long-lasting changes to the brain, particularly affecting neurons that utilize serotonin. This can lead to serious cognitive deficits over time, including memory loss, decreased problem-solving abilities, and emotional instability. MDA, with its higher affinity for serotonin receptors, is considered particularly potent in this regard, potentially leading to more severe neurological consequences than MDMA.
Cardiovascular Stress
MDMA and MDA increase heart rate and blood pressure, which can be dangerous for individuals with underlying heart conditions. The stimulant effects of these drugs can lead to cardiac complications, such as arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, and in extreme cases, heart failure. These risks are exacerbated by physical activity, such as dancing for extended periods in hot, crowded environments, which is common at raves and music festivals where these drugs are frequently used.
Hyperthermia and Dehydration
A critical risk associated with both substances is hyperthermia, or dangerously high body temperature. This condition is compounded by dehydration, often resulting from prolonged physical activity without adequate water intake. Hyperthermia can lead to muscle breakdown, kidney failure, and coagulation disorders, which in severe cases may be fatal. Ensuring hydration and taking breaks to cool down are essential harm reduction strategies that can mitigate these risks.
Mental Health Effects
The use of MDA and MDMA can exacerbate or lead to various mental health issues. While users often experience elevated mood and euphoria during the high, the comedown can be harsh, resulting in feelings of depression and anxiety that may last for days or weeks. Repeated use can alter the brain’s ability to naturally produce and regulate serotonin, leading to long-term mood disorders and impaired emotional regulation.
Risk of Contaminated Substances
Both MDA and MDMA are often adulterated with other substances, which can increase their toxicity. The presence of unknown adulterants can lead to unexpected and potentially dangerous reactions. It is not uncommon for users to believe they are purchasing MDMA, only to consume a substance that has been mixed with or substituted by other potent drugs like methamphetamine or bath salts, increasing the risk of adverse effects and overdose.
Substance Abuse and Addiction
Research has highlighted the fact that regular use of MDMA and MDA can significantly alter the serotonin and dopamine systems in the brain, both of which play pivotal roles in substance use disorders and related behaviors. Symptoms of addiction to MDMA and MDA include continued use despite adverse side effects, tolerance (where larger doses are needed to achieve the same effect), withdrawal symptoms, and cravings.
Even though withdrawal symptoms from Ecstasy and Molly are not always readily apparent, they can manifest subtly through psychological symptoms. These may include depression, anxiety, and a reduced ability to experience pleasure. Over time, the brain comes to rely on the drug to stimulate feelings of happiness and pleasure, resulting in physical dependence. This is a clear sign of addiction and should be addressed promptly and professionally.
No Matter What Recovery Can Help
Although the short-term euphoric effects of MDMA and MDA may seem appealing, the long-term consequences can be harmful, leading to high blood pressure, hyperthermia, and various mental health issues. If you or a loved one is battling MDMA or MDA abuse, don’t hesitate to contact us at No Matter What Recovery. We tailor each treatment program and rehab to your unique needs. Our addiction treatment center is ready to assist you in overcoming challenges associated with opioids, alcohol, and more, and setting you up for success on your road to recovery.
FAQs
While MDA (3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine) and MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) are both synthetic drugs that stimulate the central nervous system and produce enhanced sensory perceptions, they differ in their effects. MDA is known to be more hallucinogenic, often resulting in stronger visual distortions and a longer-lasting high, typically up to 6-8 hours. MDMA, often referred to as Ecstasy or Molly, produces more intense feelings of euphoria and lasts about 3-5 hours. The chemical structure of MDA has an extra methyl group, which is believed to contribute to its increased potency and duration of effects.
In most countries, including the United States, both MDA and MDMA are classified as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act, which means they are not legal for recreational use and are considered to have a high potential for abuse with no accepted medical use.
If someone is experiencing severe side effects such as high fever, seizures, panic attacks, or signs of a heart attack, it’s crucial to call emergency services immediately. While waiting for medical help, try to keep the person calm and seated in a cool place. Do not give them more drugs or alcohol as this can worsen their condition.
Yes, it is possible to overdose on both substances. Symptoms of an overdose can include severe hyperthermia (high body temperature), high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or seizures. Immediate medical attention is necessary to manage these symptoms and prevent potentially fatal outcomes.
Due to the illicit nature of MDA and MDMA, they are often cut or adulterated with other substances, which can vary widely in their effects and dangers. Testing kits are available and can be used to test for the presence of MDMA or MDA and certain common adulterants. These kits, while not 100% reliable, can provide a level of harm reduction by indicating whether other potentially dangerous substances may be present.
Dr. Eric Chaghouri is our Medical Director at No Matter What Recovery. Since completing his forensic psychiatry fellowship, he has established a successful and thriving practice in Southern California, focusing on treatment of co-occurring psychiatric and addictive disorders.
Dr. Eric Chaghouri is our Medical Director at No Matter What Recovery. Since completing his forensic psychiatry fellowship, he has established a successful and thriving practice in Southern California, focusing on treatment of co-occurring psychiatric and addictive disorders.
