Empathogens
MDA (Sass / Sally)
Street names: Sass, Sass-a-frass, Sally, The Love Drug
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- MDMA's more psychedelic parent: empathy + energy + visuals at higher doses; 6–8 h
- More dopamine push than MDMA — more stimulating
⚠Key risks
- MORE neurotoxic than MDMA — harsher serotonin damage at equivalent use patterns
- Overheating in clubs; the same hyponatremia (water) danger as MDMA
- Jaw clenching, muscle tension worse than MDMA
- Often sold as or mixed into 'MDMA' pills
- Sold as 'Sass' on dark markets — variable purity
✚Overdose signs
- Overheating >40°C
- Racing heart, seizures
- Serotonin syndrome signs
Category comparison — Empathogens
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDA (Sass / Sally) | Schedule I | MORE neurotoxic than MDMA — harsher serotonin damage at equivalent use patterns; Overheating in clubs; the same hyponatremia (water) danger as MDMA | ~$10–$30 per dose/pill |
| MDMA | Schedule I | Overheating + dehydration (or fatal water intoxication); Serotonin depletion — multi-day comedown | ~$10–$40 per pill |
| Molly (MDMA powder) | Schedule I | 'Molly' is a marketing term, not a guarantee — half of seized 'Molly' contains other drugs; Overheating, serotonin syndrome with antidepressants | ~$30–$80 per gram |
| XTC Pills (ecstasy tablets) | Schedule I | High-dose pills (200–300+ mg) cause severe toxicity; PMA/PMMA masquerading as ecstasy has killed many users (slow onset → double-dosing) | ~$10–$40 per pill |
| 5-APB | Class B | Serotonin release + MAOI-like properties → serotonin syndrome risk; Long duration complicates dosing | ~$15–$40 per gram or ~$5–$15 per pellet |
| Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) | Unregulated supplement | SSRI-class activity — DANGEROUS with antidepressants (serotonin syndrome); No regulation of extracts | $15–$40 powder |
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.
?Frequently asked questions
What does MDA (Sass / Sally) look like?
White/off-white powder, crystals ('sass'), or pressed pills (often with logos)
What are the signs of a MDA (Sass / Sally) overdose?
Overheating >40°C; Racing heart, seizures; Serotonin syndrome signs Call emergency services immediately.
How addictive is it?
MORE neurotoxic than MDMA — harsher serotonin damage at equivalent use patterns Dependence can develop with regular use.