EMPATHOGENS

Question 1

MDMA ( Methylenedioxymethamphetamine)

Answer 1

MDMA is commonly known as ecstasy.2 However, some pills sold as ecstasy may only have a small amount of MDMA or none at all. Other drugs and ‘fillers’ are often used instead.

MDMA is commonly found in tablet or capsule form but can also be a powder or crystal. The pills come in different colours and sizes and often have a picture, symbol or logo.

When sold in pill form, two pills with the same logo or symbol may have different effects — they can come from different sources and have different ingredients.

Other Names: Ecstasy, caps, Eckies, E, XTC, pills, pingers, bikkies, flippers, molly, M&M.

Question 2

Mephedrone

Answer 2

Mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone) is an empathogen-stimulant drug, which means it speeds up the messages travelling between the brain and body.

Mephedrone comes in different forms, including:
- white powder with a yellowish tinge
- crystals
- capsules
- pills

Other Names: Meph, meow, meow-meow, m-cat, plant food, drone, bubbles, kitty cat.

Question 3

Paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA) and paramethoxymethamphetamine (PMMA)

Answer 3

Paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA) and paramethoxymethamphetamine (PMMA) are empathogens with effects similar to MDMA also known as ecstasy.

PMA and PMMA have more toxic effects (and are less euphoric) than MDMA. It also takes longer to feel these effects, so people may take another pill in the mistaken belief that the first has not worked, sometimes resulting in overdose.

PMA/PMMA looks like, and is often sold as MDMA (ecstasy). Which means they are often found in tablet or capsule form and will come in different colours and sizes with different pictures, symbols or logos.

Other Names: Death, Dr Death, Pink Ecstasy, Red Mitsubishi, Killer, Chicken Powder, Chicken Yellow.

Question 4

Ethylone

Answer 4

Ethylone is a synthetic cathinone which is a category of drugs related to the naturally occurring khat plant.

Ethylone can be a clear crystal or a white powder.