Prominent celebrity Amy Winehouse was reportedly killed by an overdose of alcohol and Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a psychoactive substance that heighten the user's emotional feelings.

Ecstasy of the Love Drug, as it is commonly known in the streets, became famous in rave parties and gatherings of teenagers.

The U.S. National Institute of Drugs (NIDA) described MMDA as well-liked due to upbeat effects that a person experiences after taking a single dose.

This happens an hour after taking the pill. Some effects include mental stimulation, emotional warmth, empathy toward others, a general sense of well being, and decreased anxiety.

Users also claim to have increased sensory perception as a trademark of the Ecstasy experience. Nevertheless, there are some users who report undesirable effects immediately such as nervousness and irresponsibility.

In Australia, MDMA is considered the second most widely used illicit drug after cannabis, 1.5 million citizens or 8.9% of the general population report lifetime use of MDMA, according to the Medical Observer.

In a 2005 study, ecstasy users indicated they had used at least one substance concomitantly with ecstasy.

"Most often, this substance referred to alcohol, followed by amphetamines or Marijuana. Co-use of alcohol with MDMA has previously been shown to increase plasma levels of MDMA in a controlled study in humans," according to Associate Professor Susan Towns of the Observer.

"The published literature of ecstasy-related presentations for medical care highlights the most severe cases; however, there are many less severe adverse events," she added.

Authorities in drug abuse and prevention studies gave details that MDMA is not a gentle drug and produce a variety of negative health effects, including nausea, chills, sweating, involuntary teeth clenching, muscle cramping, and blurred vision. MDMA overdose can also occur - the symptoms can include high blood pressure, faintness, panic attacks, and in severe cases, a loss of consciousness, and seizures.

Information materials being distributed by the NIDA underscore several important facts.

Ø MDMA is associated with vigorous physical activity for extended periods. This can lead to one of the most significant, although rare, acute adverse effects -- a marked rise in body temperature (hyperthermia).

Ø Treatment of hyperthermia requires prompt medical attention, as it can rapidly lead to muscle breakdown, which can in turn result in kidney failure.

Ø Dehydration, hypertension, and heart failure may occur in susceptible individuals. MDMA can also reduce the pumping efficiency of the heart, of particular concern during periods of increased physical activity, thereby further complicating these problems.

Severe medical complications associated with the use of ecstasy can be deadly and consist of hyperthermia-related syndromes, hyponatraemia, psychiatric complications and severe hepatotoxicity.