MDMA  is a synthetic stimulant and psychedelic made from a compound called 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine. The drug often comes in the form of pills, called Ecstasy, or white powder, called Molly.   In the brain, MDMA interferes with levels of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Serotonin regulates basic urges like mood, sexual activity, pain, sleep, and aggression, and the heightened levels produced by MDMA cause feelings of euphoria, well-being, and empathy or connectedness with others.   However, once someone comes off of MDMA, their brain is starved for serotonin for days or even weeks, causing depression, sleep issues, confusion, or anxiety, and long-term use of MDMA may permanently damage the serotonin system. High levels of norepinephrine cause dangerously high heart rate and blood pressure, while increased dopamine levels form the basis for a strong addiction, often necessitating treatment in an addiction treatment center. MDMA can also cause sweating, chills, nausea, teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and blurred vision.   MDMA is known as a club drug and is popular at raves, concerts, and clubs. However, it’s in these environments that people are more prone to one of MDMA’s more serious side effects, hyperthermia, when the body reaches dangerously high temperatures. As people dance for long periods of time in close quarters, they become dehydrated quickly and increase the risk of hyperthermia, which can work devastatingly quickly to break down muscles and lead to kidney failure, heart failure, and death. Anyone addicted to or abusing…