This drug is popularly known as "ecstasy," XTC, and ADAM. It is a synthesized compound and a member of the family of HALLUCINOGENS known as the substituted phenethylamines, which also includes methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and 2, 5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (DOM) (see Figure 1). These hallucinogens are structurally related to the phenethylamine-type NEUROTRANSMITTERS dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Many analogs of these compounds have been synthesized and are sometimes found on the street—the so-called DESIGNER DRUGS.

Controversy exists as to whether MDMA and MDA should be classified with the other hallucinogens. Both MDMA and MDA have structural similarities to the PSYCHOSTIMULANT AMPHETAMINE, and they have amphetamine-like psychostimulant properties. Yet, these designer drugs also have properties in common with LYSERGIC ACID DIETHYLAMIDE (LSD) and MESCALINE; with lower doses, however, they produce fewer perceptual phenomena and less emotional liability, or "keyedup" feelings and disturbances of thought, than other hallucinogens, and there tends to be a...