How Long Does Ecstasy (MDMA) Stay in Your System?
Ecstasy (MDMA), is a club drug that creates feelings of energy, euphoria, and connection with others. Many people use ecstasy at parties and concerts, but it can stay in the body long after the effects wear off.
This page explores what is MDMA, how the body processes the drug, and how long does MDMA stay in your system. You will also discover how to get compassionate and effective treatment for MDMA drug misuse.
Ecstasy, also called MDMA, is a synthetic party drug that powerfully affects perception and mood [1]. Commonly used at clubs, parties, and concerts, MDMA is popular because it can create intense feelings of happiness, energy, and emotional closeness with others. This drug combines stimulant and hallucinogenic properties, meaning it not only boosts energy but can also alter sensory experiences, making sounds, colors, and lights feel more intense.
Ecstasy (MDMA) is referred to by street names like “E” and “molly.” The drug is typically taken in pill or capsule form, but can also be found as a powder. Although, some people use the drug to feel more social or connected, it is classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States, meaning it is illegal and has no current medical use. [2]
The drug increases levels of three key chemicals in the brain:
Together, these chemicals can create a euphoric experience, but they also play a role in why MDMA can lead to crashes or comedowns after the effects wear off.
MDMA effects can be positive and negative. They include:
The combination of these effects can be tempting to some, but any regular use of ecstasy can trigger lasting harm to physical and mental health, including addiction.
Once someone takes ecstasy, the body starts breaking it down almost immediately, but the process depends on factors including:
When you ingest ecstasy in pill form, it begins to dissolve in the stomach before it’s absorbed into the bloodstream. People start to feel the effects within 30 to 45 minutes—effects can last for several hours.
MDMA is mainly broken down in the liver [3]. Enzymes in the liver process the drug into smaller compounds—metabolites—eliminated through urine and feces. The liver does most of the work, but the kidneys also help filter and remove the drug from the body. Once metabolized, ecstasy is cleared from the bloodstream and exits the body.
Since the drug affects core brain chemicals, it can take time for the body to return to normal after the high fades. After-effects like exhaustion or mood changes can last several days as the body processes the drug, restoring its natural balance.
How long does MDMA stay in your system is influenced by variables such as:
Half-life refers to how long it takes half of a substance to be broken down and removed from the bloodstream. The MDMA half-life is 8 to 9 hours. [5] This means that the concentration of MDMA in the bloodstream is reduced by 50% after this time. It takes five half-lives for a substance to leave the body, meaning that MDMA can take 40 hours to be clear from the system.
The half-life concept helps explain why people might feel drained or low after taking party drugs. When MDMA is present, it uses up a large amount of serotonin, which can take time to replenish. This comedown phase can result in sadness, tiredness, or anxiety as the body and brain recover from the intense stimulation caused by MDMA.
MDMA may remain detectable in the body for several days after use, but some tests can trace it weeks or months later. How long does MDMA last in the system varies according to the method used to detect it, as well as individual factors like age, metabolism, and frequency of use.
Urine tests are among the most common ways to detect MDMA, as they are non-invasive and relatively accurate. MDMA typically stays detectable in urine for 3 days. It can last up to 5 days for people who use it more frequently. Urine tests look for MDMA and its metabolites, which are the substances produced when the body breaks down and processes the drug.
After someone takes MDMA, it starts breaking down in the liver, and its metabolites filter through the kidneys. The drug and its byproducts then pass into the bladder and are excreted in urine. Although MDMA’s main effects last only a few hours, traces can be found in urine within 30 minutes after taking it and remain for a few days.
Urine drug testing is widely used in workplaces and medical settings because of its reliability and ease.
Blood tests provide one of the shortest MDMA detection windows, generally identifying the drug for 48 hours. In some cases, and with large doses, it may be detectable for 72 hours. MDMA reaches the bloodstream quickly after ingestion, and levels in the blood typically peak within 1 to 2 hours of taking the drug.
Blood tests are less common than urine tests for detecting MDMA, mainly because they are invasive and have a shorter detection period. That said, blood tests may be used in emergency medical settings or during legal investigations to determine recent use. Since MDMA enters the blood quickly, these tests can be helpful for measuring peak levels shortly after ingestion.
Hair tests offer the longest detection window for MDMA, as traces of the drug can be found in hair samples for 90 days. When someone takes MDMA, tiny traces of the drug and its metabolites enter the bloodstream and eventually reach hair follicles, where they can remain trapped as the hair grows.
Hair tests are not typically used to detect recent drug usage, as it takes about a week for newly grown hair containing MDMA to be detectable. Instead, hair testing is used when a history of MDMA use is needed, such as in employment screenings or legal cases. This approach provides an overview of drug use but is not reliable for detecting recent drug use.
MDMA can be detected in saliva 1 to 2 days after use, making saliva tests useful for recent drug detection. As MDMA is taken orally, it appears in saliva quickly, usually within minutes to an hour after use, and stays detectable for 24 to 48 hours.
Saliva tests are often used by law enforcement for quick screenings as they are non-invasive, easy to administer, and provide results within minutes. That said, this test method may not be reliable for detecting MDMA use beyond 2 days, especially for those who drink lots of water, as hydration can reduce drug levels in the saliva.
While MDMA may initially create feelings of euphoria and connection, repeated or high doses can trigger significant long-term health issues. One of the primary risks lies in MDMA’s effect on brain chemistry, particularly serotonin, a chemical messenger involved in mood, sleep, and emotional regulation. Chronic MDMA use depletes serotonin levels, which can result in prolonged mood swings, depression, memory problems, and difficulty feeling pleasure without the drug. This chemical imbalance may lead to long-term issues like anxiety and a heightened risk of certain mental health conditions.
MDMA’s effects on the cardiovascular system also increase risks. The drug elevates heart rate and blood pressure, which puts a strain on the heart and can heighten the likelihood of heart disease, especially for individuals with underlying conditions. Additionally, MDMA causes dehydration and raises body temperature, which can overwork the kidneys and may lead to kidney damage, especially when taken in high doses or combined with physical exertion like dancing.
Beyond physical health, MDMA misuse can disrupt relationships, affect work or academic progress, and reduce overall well-being. What may start as occasional use during social events can gradually lead to dependence, affecting daily life and creating emotional, financial, and social challenges. Professional treatment supports recovery while providing a structured path to restoring balance, rebuilding relationships, and achieving a healthier, more fulfilling life without party drugs.
If you or a loved one have been misusing party drugs, like ecstasy, we can help you get back on track at California Detox.
You can withdraw from MDMA under controlled conditions in our medical detox program with access to medications and 24/7 clinical and emotional care. After addressing dependence on MDMA, you can transition to ongoing inpatient treatment at our beachside facility.
Every addiction to party drugs is different, so all California Detox programs offer personalized treatment plans that may include:
Begin your recovery from party drug addiction by calling 888-995-4208.
[1] https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/ecstasy-or-mdma-also-known-molly
[2] https://academic.oup.com/book/46625/chapter-abstract/410053164?redirectedFrom=fulltext
[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC81503
[4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0005273607003331
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11085324/
"*" indicates required fields