The methamphetamine has been linked to psychiatric illnesses, but Dr. Thomas Connor, of Trinity College Dublin, believes it may also place physical health at risk.
Connor says the drug has potent immunosuppresant qualities, which have the ability to increase a user's susceptibility to disease. The environment in which it is taken is also a contributing factor in contracting infectious diseases.
He says recent evidence suggets someone who takes two tablets would experience weakened body defenses lasting up to 48 hours. Scientists have yet to study the long-term effects on the immune system.
Evidence of this can be found in the fact that many web sites used by clubbers advise eating plenty of fruits and vegetables in order to boost the immune system before taking the drug.
Shortly after using ecstasy, instances of unusual illnesses, like shingles of the eye and meningitis, have been known to occur.
Connor says there are growing signs the physical damage done by the drug may greatly reduce the effectiveness of anti-depressants like Prozac.
