A popular club drug that’s sold in tablet form is (ecstasy) or as a powder (MDMA).

The strength and effects of ecstasy tablets are highly unpredictable.

When taken orally, ecstasy normally takes 30 minutes to kick in, but it could take as little as 20 minutes, or it may take over an hour or more. Some other (more dangerous) drugs sold as ecstasy take longer to kick in. Users tend to feel high for 2 to 4 hours. You might still experience some physical effects, like a fast heart beat or insomnia (not being able to sleep), for a few hours after you stop feeling high – especially if you take a large amount.

Side effects can include:

• Short term = distortion of senses
• Medium term = confused episodes, anxiety, lethargy, depression, dehydration and overheating
• Long term = memory deficiency, supressed immune system, depression
• Has been linked to liver, kidney and heart problems
• Drinking too much (including water) can also be dangerous while on ecstasy as it can cause the body to release a hormone which stops it making urine. If you drink too quickly, you can affect your body’s salt balance which can be just as dangerous as not drinking enough water