Methylenedioxymethapmhetamine (MDMA)

Slang or Street Names: Ecstasy, XTC, Adam, Clarity, Lover's Speed

MDMA was developed and patented in the early 1900s as an appetite suppressant, although it was never tested in humans. MDMA can produce both stimulant and psychedelic effects.

• MDMA is taken orally, usually in tablet or a capsule. MDMA's effects last approximately 3 to 6 hours, though confusion; depression, sleep problems, anxiety, and paranoia have been reported to occur even weeks after the drug is taken.

• MDMA can produce a significant increase in heart rate and blood pressure and a sense of alertness.

• The stimulant effects of MDMA, which enable users to dance for extended periods, may lead to dehydration, hypertension, and heart failure, strokes, and seizures in some users.

• MDMA can be extremely dangerous in high doses. It can cause a marked increase in body temperature leading to muscle breakdown and kidney and cardiovascular system failure.

Ketamine

Slang or Street Names: Special K, K, vitamin K, Cat Valiums

Ketamine is an injectable anesthetic that has been approved for both human and animal use in medical settings since 1970. About 90 percent of the Ketamine legally sold is intended for veterinary use.

• Ketamine gained popularity for abuse in the 1980's, when it was realized that large doses cause reactions similar to those associated with use of (PCP), such as dream-like states and hallucinations.

• At higher doses, Ketamine can cause delirium, amnesia, impaired motor function, high blood pressure, depression, and potentially fatal respiratory problems.

• Low-dose intoxication from Ketamine results in impaired attention, learning ability, and memory.

Rohypnol

Slang or Street Names: Roofies, Rophies, Roche, Forget-me Pill

Rohypnol is not approved for use in the United States, although it is approved in Europe and is used in more than 60 countries as a treatment for insomnia, as a sedative, and pre-surgery anesthetic.

• Rohypnol is tasteless and odorless, and it dissolves in carbonated beverages. The sedative and toxic effects of Rohypnol are aggravated by concurrent use of alcohol.

• Even without alcohol, a dose of Rohypnol as small as 1 mg can impair a victim for 8 to 12 hours.

• Rohypnol is usually taken orally, although there are reports that it can be ground up and snorted.

• The drug can cause profound amnesia - individuals may not remember events they experienced while under the effects of the drug. It has been reportedly used in sexual assaults.

• Other adverse effects associated with Rohypnol include decreased blood pressure, drowsiness, visual disturbances, dizziness, confusion, gastrointestinal disturbances, and urinary retention.