Dose and Effects
A drug experience depends on numerous things: your mood, where you are, whom you're with and the strength and ingredients of the drug. If youčve got a lot on your mind or are feeling tired and run down it may not be the ideal time to use E.
If you decide to use E plan your evening. Eat heartily a few hours before, as this will provide you with real energy. Take E somewhere you feel secure and with friends you trust, so you can look out for each other.
If you're taking an E for the first time try taking a half first to gauge the pill's strength, as an active dose can differ for each user depending on their size and sensitivity to the drug. If you use E know your own limits and stick to them.
The effects of E start 20-40 minutes after swallowing the drug, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to come up. Coming up gives a feeling of anticipation, rushes of exhilaration and sometimes a feeling of nausea. Some people can feel anxious. If someone feels this way reassure them that it will pass and encourage them to focus on something else, like the music for instance.
After 60-90 minutes you'll feel the peak effects, which last around 3-5 hours. These can include feeling happy, calm, exhilarated, loved up and in touch with yourself and others. Energy levels increase enabling you to dance for longer. Some people may find the emotional effects of E too much. If someone starts to feel uncomfortable or panicky, sit with them somewhere quieter and reassure them that the feelings will subside.
E works by increasing levels of serotonin, a brain chemical closely linked to mood. Normal levels of serotonin produce a sense of wellbeing, whereas low levels indicate depression. Whilst on E the brain is flooded with this chemical, hence feelings of euphoria and exhilaration. The downside is that once it's over your levels will be lower than they were originally and you'll probably feel shitty. Serotonin takes awhile to be replenished, which is why some users report a "loss of magic", where they don't get the desired effect, usually after periods of heavy use. The only way to avoid this is to take a break and use E less frequently, i.e. not every weekend.
After taking E have plenty of rest and try to eat healthy food, even if you're not feeling hungry this will help you recover by restoring your energy. Some people find using health supplements like 5-htp (a precursor to serotonin) or St John's Wort (a mild herbal antidepressant) can help avoid the mid-week blues. Chasing the buzz by taking other drugs or alcohol to avoid your comedown is only putting off the inevitable for another day, possibly when youčre at work or college and need to be together. For more info about E and brain chemistry try dancesafe.org
