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34DESIGNER DRUGSThe most well-known effect of Ecstasy is its ability toproduce intense feelings of happiness, well-being, confidence,loss of inhibitions, and closeness to others. Ecstasy alsoproduces strong feelings of empathy (the ability to identifywith and share other people’s feelings) and often makes theusers feel like they “love and want to hug everyone” (henceits name, the “hug” or “love” drug). Ecstasy can also producea mild “rush” or euphoria, although not nearly as intense asHERBAL ECSTASY—NOT REALLY ECSTASYIn recent years, a new drug called “Herbal Ecstasy” has been promotedas a natural and safer alternative to Ecstasy that may helpwith weight loss. Herbal Ecstasy supplements are sold in healthfood and drug stores, and marketed mainly to teenagers andyoung adults as being able to produce euphoria, increased energy,and heightened sexual sensations. They are also marketed as anaid in combating asthma. Common names for Herbal Ecstasyinclude Cloud 9, Rave Energy, X, Herbal X, Ultimate X-phoria,and Herbal Bliss.Herbal Ecstasy is actually nothing more than a stimulantcontaining ephedrine and caffeine. The manufacturers claim theproduct is natural because the ephedrine it contains comes fromthe Chinese herb ephedra (also called “ma huang ”) or otherephedrine extracts, and the caffeine it contains comes from thekola nut. Herbal Ecstasy can also contain other herbs such asginseng, ginkgo biloba, green tea, and nutmeg. However, theFood and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that HerbalEcstasy is just as dangerous as other synthetic ephedrine andcaffeine products and can potentially result in irregular heartbeat,heart attack, stroke, psychosis, and death. These dangers areincreased in patients with heart conditions, those who are takingantidepressants, or people who are overly sensitive to stimulants.