EXPERTS WARN OVER EFFECTS OF ECSTASY

Scientists met yesterday to discuss growing evidence that ecstasy can cause
long-term damage to the brain.

Ecstasy, or MDMA, became popular as a drug in the mid-1980s and an
estimated 500,000 tablets are now taken in the UK each weekend.

But recent research has shown that users may pay a heavy price for the
euphoric ''rush'' they obtain from the drug.

Ecstasy boosts levels of a nerve message chemical in the brain, serotonin,
which leads to a feeling of happiness.

However this is soon followed by a period of serotonin depletion, resulting
in temporary lethargy and depression.

Research with animals and most recently long-term users is now starting to
show ecstasy causes lasting damage to pathways in the brain.

The result may be impaired memory, thinking ability and concentration,
depression, eating disorders and panic attacks.

Professor Andy Parrott, who is chairing a meeting today at the Novartis
Foundation in London, said: ''Many questions remain over whether MDMA is
neurotoxic in humans, and if so, how much needs to be taken before these
problems develop."

Prof Parrott, head of psychology at the University of East London, said he
had seen patients with depression and concentration problems at least a
year after they had stopped taking the drug.

Since 1989 more than 120 deaths have been attributed to ecstasy. Most of
these, however, are caused indirectly by ecstasy - for instance from
dehydration. In rare cases people have died from the stimulant effects
leading to strokes and heart failure.

Checked-by: derek rea