Homes and Property | Home PageJust one pill harmsDavid Harding|Metro13 April 2012Taking just one or two ecstasy pills damages the brain for at least three months, it was claimed yesterday.Anxiety, memory loss and depression are among the side-effects.Levels of neurotransmitters, which carry messages between the brain and the rest of the body, dropped sharply after taking even a small dose of the drug, Australian scientists said.Dr Iain McGregor, of the University of Sydney, added: 'What is really interesting is that in rats given a brief, low dose we are seeing significant changes in brain function and behaviour three months later.'It suggests people using apparently "safe" low doses of ecstasy may in fact suffer long-term brain changes.'Previous studies suggested taking large doses over long periods could trigger anxiety, panic and confusion by killing off mood-altering chemicals in the brain.In the new research, rats were given either a low dose of the drug - the equivalent of two tablets over 48 hours in a human - or a high dose, the equivalent of eight pills.After three months, all experienced changes in brain function, according to the Neuropsychopharmacology journal.Last year, the Government ruled out downgrading ecstasy from a Class A drug - the same as cocaine and heroin - to a Class B, like cannabis.Forty people died from taking ecstasy last year, figures showed.The typical user is a young, heterosexual male.MORE ABOUTAnxietyAustraliaHigher EducationSydneyThe Brain