What Are The Comedown Effects Of Molly (MDMA)?

MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy or molly, is a synthetic drug that affects both mood and perception by combining stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. While the high produced by MDMA can include feelings of euphoria, emotional closeness, and increased energy, what follows after the effects wear off tells a very different story. The period after MDMA use, referred to as the comedown, can bring on a range of physical and psychological effects.

The comedown occurs as the brain attempts to rebalance itself after being flooded with serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters during MDMA use. This sudden drop in brain chemistry can leave a person feeling worse than before they used the drug. Comedown effects include depression, anxiety, paranoia, irritability, insomnia, fatigue, memory problems, loss of appetite, and in some cases hallucinations or psychosis. These effects can last anywhere from a few hours to several days depending on the amount used, the frequency of use, and the individual’s health.

How Long Does Molly Last In The System?

Molly stays in the body for three to six hours. Because the drug wears off after a few hours, many people take additional doses as the effects of the last dose wear off. The higher the intake, the greater the comedown effects.

What Causes Molly Comedown Effects?

Molly shares the chemical properties of both stimulants and hallucinogens. It can make a person feel more energetic and happy, while also distorting the senses and time perception. Molly works by increasing dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Dopamine increases energy and activity, serotonin affects things like mood and sleep, and norepinephrine increases heart rate and blood pressure.

When the effects of the drug wear off, a person who’s taken molly will experience hangover-like effects as the brain is no longer being supplied with the extra chemicals. A person also goes through withdrawal as the body detoxes after drug use.

How The Comedown Effects Of Molly Contribute To Addiction

Research has not concluded whether molly is addictive. But regular MDMA use does alter chemical systems that are associated with addiction and related behaviors.

The comedown effects of molly are often the very reason a person might take it in the first place, such as:

• feelings of depression and anxiety
• sleep deprivation
• loss of appetite
• other mental and physical effects

Because many of the comedown effects are the same feelings a person may be trying to avoid, molly can quickly become a source of relief. Addiction forms out of the desire to supply that relief on a regular basis. If a person takes molly regularly, they can become addicted to the drug.

Overcoming Molly Abuse

Struggling with MDMA use can feel isolating, but it is a problem that responds well to addiction treatment. Many people who develop a pattern of molly abuse also deal with underlying mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, making it important to find a treatment program that is equipped to address both at the same time. Outpatient counseling, behavioral therapy, and dual diagnosis treatment are among the options available.

Taking the first step toward getting help is often the hardest part. Reaching out to a healthcare provider or addiction specialist can help clarify what treatment options are available and which level of care is the right fit.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff