Thoughts on how to use MDMA most safely

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These are our opinions on MDMA use. Research from many sources, read studies and be informed to be as safe as possible.

Before taking MDMA

  • Only buy from a known source, never buy at an event.

  • Understand what you are taking. "Really good [MDMA][Molly][Ecstasy]” has no accepted meaning anymore. High quality pills will either be pure MDMA, producing a very mellow experience or will contain some amphetamine (typically crystal meth), in a small amount: Ttwo to four percent methamphetamine is a normal range. Two percent produce a powerful, often sexualized experience with some jaw clenching. Four percent produces an even more powerful experience, with a strong temptation for jaw clenching experience. Learn what type of pill you prefer, and find a source that will provide to your specifications.

  • Test your supply. These tests are not perfect, as they don’t tell you much about purity, but they provide general information about what you are taking. (These test will not reveal specific purity, rather provide information about what substances in general may be present).

  • Choose a responsible dose. Smaller is safer. Rollsafe provides recommended doses here. They suggest the following: 50 mg + 1mg per 2.20462 lbs of body weight not to exceed 120 mgs. Therefore, a 100 lb person would have a dose of around 100mg, 150 lbs person would have a dose of 118mgs and anyone above 150 lbs stick would have a 120 mgs does, which is the maximum specified dose.

  • Don’t take MDMA if you are taking an SSRI or MAOi anti-depressant. Do NOT go off an SSRI or MAOi in order to take MDMA. This is the perfect storm for depression - stopping taking an SSRI can lead to severe depression. The MDMA hangover is a form of depression. Together, the double dose of depression can be overwhelming. Use of SSRIs or MAOi can lead to serotonin syndrome (see below), which can be fatal.

  • Consider taking supplements. See here for ideas. Note: 5-HTP may be unsafe to take with MDMA, as it likely increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. We don’t take it, and strongly encourage you to read up on the risks associated with combining it and other drugs that impact serotonin.

Taking MDMA

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  • Take on an empty stomach. Don’t eat for five hours before ingestion. If you don’t have an empty stomach, consider plugging. What is plugging? Read all about it here.

  • Continue to hydrate normally before taking. Don’t over or under consume hydration before the trip. Your pee should be lightly colored, not clear nor dark.

  • Reflect upon the type of evening you intend to have and set clear boundaries with yourself about what behavior will feel comfortable in the morning. Communicate boundaries to your peers, in clear terms.

Stay Safe

  • Heat is the biggest danger to your physical health on MDMA. Avoid heat or heat producing activities. Do not get into a hot tub under any circumstance. Avoid hot environments. 

    MDMA raises body temp even at normal temps. Moreover, it inhibits the body's normal heat regulation function, resulting in significant risk when exposed to hot environments, especially hot tubs, or when engaging in physical exertion in hot environments. Read here about deaths at EDM concerts by LA promoters to get a feel for what will kill you....

  • Read up on serotonin syndrome. If you stick to a dose Dancesafe recommends and don’t mix it with other drugs that play with serotonin, your risks of serotonin syndrome are probably almost zero. But you may observe others who have been less cautious. Quickly identifying the symptoms and getting the person to the emergency room can save a life.

  • Take MDMA is a safe environment, with trusted people. Decision making is impaired on MDMA. Understand that the people taking MDMA with you are also impaired (and legally cannot provide consent for sexual activities). Be conservative and safe in what you do and stay within pre-negotiated (sober-negotiated) consensual boundaries.

  • Be mindful of your teeth. Try to relax your jaw and be very mindful of jaw clenching. Some people advise chewing gum, but I find being conscious not to clench works better, followed by sucking on a hard candy. Some people find magnesium supplements to be helpful (we don’t).

Coming Down

  • Don't "chase the dragon". When coming down you may be tempted to take more. Don't. It won't do much and increases the risk associated with taking MDMA.

  • Consume some calories before bed. You won’t be hungry and won’t want to eat, but getting something healthy into your stomach before bed will significantly help recovery the next day. Drinking a glass of chocolate milk is among the best options. If you don’t do milk, try nuts, a banana or kiwi (or other fruit). But even something not great for you is better than nothing. Our favorite is a casein protein shake, which is a slow digesting protein.

The Next Few Days

  • Sleep as needed

  • Avoid alcohol

For another view on MDMA use, read this comprehensive overview.

Trip Brown