cstasy is 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine,
or MDMA. It is an amphetamine (a stiumlant) with hallucinogenic properties taken in the form of a 100-125 milligram tablet.

Though it produces feelings of confidence, well being, "closeness" with others and heightened awareness of physical sensations, it has alarming side effects.

"It is one of the most dangerous drugs out there," says Dr. Bob Hoffman, director of the New York City Poison Control Center.

Short-term effects:

In large quantities it can cause convulsions, vomiting, irrational and bizarre behavior, and high blood pressure which can lead to heart attacks.

In smaller doses it causes blurred vision, chills, sweating and tremors. Users "coming down" may experience insomnia, depression, anxiety, paranoia, fatigue and difficulty concentrating.

Users must also watch out for Ecstasy tablets mixed with other drugs such as GHB and Ketamine, or "Special K," which can produce deadly results.

Long- term effects:

Current animal research shows that Ecstasy destroys serotonin-producing neurons in the brain, causing long-term depletion of serotonin levels.

A study at Johns Hopkins University in 1996 showed structural brain damage in monkeys exposed to the drug for two weeks —damage unlike that of any other drug. "It’s unbelievably scary stuff," Hoffman says. "The damage is subtle and slow and real in progression."

Sources: National Institutes of Health, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug abuse, NYC Poison Control Center, Australian Drug Foundation

The Story of Jamie Weist

James Weist, a 21-year-old senior at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., died from an overdose of Ecstasy at Twilo on July 22, 2000. Police found him unconscious on the floor of the 27^th Street club at 6:50 am, they said. He was rushed to Saint Vincent’s Hospital in Chelsea where he was pronounced dead at 7:55 a.m., according to the police.

"It was a horrible, unfortunate incident," says Peter R. Sullivan, attorney for Twilo.

The club is the middle of a law suit brought by the City of New York. The city is hoping to close the club by claiming the proliferation of ecstasy use in the club violates the city’s nuisance laws. The suit sites 18 incidents of Ecstasy buys by undercover police.

Jane S. Solomon, an acting State Supreme Court justice in Manhattan, declined the city's initial request to close the club, but the case is continuing.

The club is one of the largest in the city with a 15,000-square-foot dance floor where club-goers can dance far into the daylight hours.