MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) is a synthetic drug that affects your energy, mood, and sensory perception.
Often described as a “club drug,” it first became popular at all-night dance parties called raves. It goes by various street names, including molly, ecstasy, and XTC.
As with other illegal drugs that are sold on the street, the price of MDMA varies.
MDMA (Molly/Ecstasy) Street Prices & Average Cost
The average cost of MDMA depends on a variety of factors, such as form, purity, and location.
Form
MDMA comes in multiple forms, including pills, capsules, and powders.
In general, a single ecstasy pill costs between $15 and $25. The doses range from 70 mg to 100 mg. Typically, the higher the dose, the higher the price.
A single MDMA capsule generally costs between $20 and $50. Most MDMA capsules contain about 100 milligrams of the drug.
In powder form, MDMA is usually sold by the gram. A single gram of MDMA tends to cost around $150. An ounce of powder MDMA (about 28 grams) often costs between $2,000 and $3,000.
Purity
According to law enforcement officials, many drug dealers lace MDMA with other psychoactive substances.
These substances may include highly addictive stimulants such as crystal meth and crack cocaine. These illicit drugs have been linked with issues like heart attack, stroke, and psychosis (a temporary loss of connection with reality).
Other drugs that are sometimes added to MDMA include:
- fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin that’s been linked to numerous overdose deaths
- ketamine, a hallucinogenic drug that can cause high blood pressure, extreme panic, and breathing problems
- LSD, a hallucinogenic drug that can cause extreme panic, hallucinations, and seizures
- PCP, a hallucinogenic drug that can cause body numbness, loss of consciousness, and addiction
In most cases, MDMA that’s been laced with these substances costs less than pure MDMA.
Location
Like other recreational drugs, MDMA typically costs less in big cities compared to more rural areas. That’s because cities tend to have a higher supply of MDMA and other street drugs. Higher supply usually leads to lower prices.
Effects Of MDMA
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) states that MDMA can have both hallucinogenic and stimulant effects.
Side effects of taking MDMA may include:
- increased sense of well-being
- increased empathy
- hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t there)
- paranoia
- confusion
- mood swings
- increased energy and alertness
- increased heart rate
- high blood pressure
Is MDMA Addictive?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), researchers have not yet determined whether MDMA use can lead to drug addiction (also called substance use disorder).
However, some people who regularly use MDMA experience withdrawal symptoms upon quitting the drug.
These symptoms can include:
- loss of appetite
- fatigue
- trouble concentrating
- depression
These withdrawal symptoms suggest the drug may be addictive. However, even if the drug is not addictive, it poses a variety of other health risks. For example, some people experience unpleasant side effects for up to a week after using the drug. These effects may include:
- depression
- anxiety
- poor memory
- irritability
- aggression
- trouble sleeping
- reduced libido
- reduced appetite
Overdose
In addition, at high doses, MDMA can cause a life-threatening overdose.
Common signs of overdose include panic attacks, faintness, seizures, and loss of consciousness. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, seek medical help right away. An overdose can occur even with first-time use.
Also, as mentioned above, MDMA is sometimes laced with fentanyl, a drug that poses a high risk of deadly overdose. Symptoms of a fentanyl overdose include trouble breathing, clammy skin, and loss of consciousness.
MDMA Abuse Treatment
To protect your health, you should avoid MDMA. If you or a loved one feels unable to stop using the drug, seek help at a substance abuse treatment program. These programs offer services such as:
- medical detox, which helps you get MDMA out of your system with minimal withdrawal symptoms
- cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you how to cope with MDMA cravings and strengthen your overall mental health
- support groups, which connect you with other people recovering from MDMA abuse
Some treatment programs are inpatient, which means you live at the treatment center. Other programs are outpatient, which means you regularly visit the treatment center while living at home. An addiction specialist can help you decide which option is right for you.
To learn more about treatment options for MDMA abuse, please contact an Ark Behavioral Health specialist. Our compassionate healthcare providers offer a variety of addiction treatment services to help you stay healthy and sober.
Written by Ark Behavioral Health Editorial Team
©2025 Ark National Holdings, LLC. | All Rights Reserved.
This page does not provide medical advice.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Link Text
National Institute on Drug Abuse - MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly) DrugFacts
United States Drug Enforcement Administration - Drug Fact Sheet: MDMA/Ecstasy
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