Long Term Effects of Molly on the Brain

Learn about the long-term effects of Molly on the brain and how rehab can help at White Sands Treatment Center

Think you are using Molly, also known as Ecstasy or MDMA? Think again. Most Molly tablets contain other added ingredients such as ephedrine, methamphetamine, dextromethorphan, cocaine, and caffeine. It is very rare for Molly to not be mixed with other dangerous additives. And because many Molly users also drink alcohol or use other drugs while using Molly, they are creating a very dangerous mixed cocktail. The long-term effects of Molly on the brain and body have proven to be devastating for the drug user.

Physical Effects

Molly is popular because of the initial effects that it has on the user who may experience: less anxiety, mental stimulation, and an overall feeling of well-being. Unfortunately, the good doesn’t last long, because the effects of Ecstasy drug on the body can be quite distressing, and can remain in the body for up to a week or more. Some adverse Ecstasy side effects are:

• Sadness, anxiety, aggression, restlessness, irritability, impulsiveness,
• Lack of appetite, sleep disturbances, thirst, dehydration, lowered libido, hyperthermia
• Impaired mental abilities, muscle cramping, sweating, chills, nausea, teeth grinding, jaw clenching
• Arrhythmia, high blood pressure, heart failure, renal failure, brain damage

If someone is experiencing an overdose of Molly they may exhibit panic attacks, fainting, and their blood pressure will skyrocket. They can also have seizures and lose consciousness. If the person is experiencing hyperthermia, they should receive immediate medical attention because it can cause muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure. If you or someone you know is experiencing an overdose of Molly call 911 and get immediate help.

Molly on the Brain

The long-term effects of Molly on the brain can be extremely debilitating. Mental abilities can become impaired within hours after taking the drug. Mental changes, including the impairment of memory formation and retention, can last for a week or more in chronic abusers of the drug. Information processing and the performance of skilled activities also become impaired when someone uses Molly. Activities such as driving a car can easily become a critically dangerous pursuit.

Molly binds to neurotransmitter sites causing the release of large amounts of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine into the brain. The stimulant effects of Molly combined with the addictive methamphetamine increases neurotransmission in the brain, causing the brain to be continuously flooded with these chemicals. The unremitting release of these neurotransmitters can cause a depletion to occur that creates negative effects in thinking and behavior. Studies have shown that chronic users of Molly begin to experience long-lasting effects of depression, confusion, and memory and attention impairment.

Brain imaging scans show that changes in brain activity occur in the areas that control emotion, cognition and motor function. The scans also show that there is a significant decrease in the number of serotonin transporters in the brain due to the use of Molly. The results indicate an increase of persistent brain function and memory impairment in people who take large amounts of Molly. Other factors of the brain that were affected by Molly’s brain damage are verbal reasoning, attention span, mood, impulse control, and sleep cycles.

The neurotoxic effects of the continuous use of Ecstasy are the loss of serotonin neurons in the brain that can last for years or become permanent.

Are Ecstasy side effects worth taking the drug? Absolutely not. If you are trying to stop using Ecstasy but are having difficulty, you may need some professional help. The staff at our drug rehab centers near Tampa is experienced and knowledgeable in drug abuse and addiction, and they know how to help you stop using Molly. The long-term effects of Molly on the brain are dangerous and serious. If you don’t want to risk damaging your brain or body, get help today.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.