what drug is mdma

MDMA is a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception, chemically similar to both stimulants and hallucinogens. It is also known as Ecstasy or Molly, and produces feelings of increased energy, pleasure, emotional warmth, and distorted sensory and time perception. MDMA is usually taken as a capsule or tablet, though some people swallow it in liquid form or snort the powder. The popular nickname Molly often refers to the supposedly "pure" crystalline powder form of MDMA, usually sold in capsules, but people who purchase powder or capsules sold as Molly often actually get other drugs such as synthetic cathinones ("bath salts") instead. MDMA was first used in the 1970s as an aid in psychotherapy, but it did not have the support of clinical trials or approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). MDMA is considered a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning it has a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.