There are a number of ways to reduce the negative short-term effects of E. The basics, of course, are to be sure to drink plenty of water to replenish body fluids, rest from time to time: stop moving, take deep breaths and relax, maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, taking vitamins, and getting plenty of sleep. Remember that less is more. Large or frequent doses can increase the side effects without adding to the experience.
As a side note: Following a roll, it is often better to drink sports drinks that replace your electrolytes rather than water. (Thanks, Bets-E). Also, even drinking too much water (while rolling) can be damaging - if you find yourself extremely overheated, drink water (but not too much!) and remove yourself from the situation. Go outside, or wherever you can find cool, open air, and relax.
More "advanced techniques" are the acts of pre-loading and post-loading. There are a number of different regimes, but the only elements required are the protective ones, employing 5-HTP, Vitamin C, and Magnesium. A multivitamin is beneficial to help replace spent micronutrients, and don't forget the WATER! (Don't over-do it, though!)
Most of the negative after-effects of E are due to the depletion of Serotonin in the brain. The result of lessed serotonin stores, are characterized by disruptions in normal sleeping and eating patterns, difficulty in verbal processing and committing facts to short term memory, as well as irritatiblity (all of this leading to the feeling of being "8-up" the following day). Most notably the impact of low serotonin levels is characterized by depression. 5-hydroxtrytophan [5-HTP for short] is the direct precurser to serotonin and preloading with 5-HTP counteracts these negative side effects by putting more serotonin in the body and ensuring that you don't run out. Supplementation with 5-HTP enhances the loved-up, empathic feelings while you're rolling and cleans up the comedown. You can get 5-HTP in health food stores or online.
Preloading with 5-HTP may also help to prevent possible neurotoxicity. Basically, MDMA usage makes the body use up serotonin. When it runs out, Dopamine goes where the serotonin normally would. Alteration of dopamine molecules may cause damage to nerves, so by preloading and preventing the depletion of serotinin, you lessen the risk of neurodamage, theoretically.
One of magnesium's major roles in the body is in muscle relaxation. It is the antagonist of calcium, which helps to induce muscle contraction. The jaw clenching observed on MDMA can be minimized through magnesium supplementation. Added magnesium can also minimizing cramping due to dehydration. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant. As stated above, it is thought that MDMA is neurotoxic due to oxidized free radicals. Vitamin C counteracts these free radicals and may helps to minimize damage due to neurotoxicity.
Preloads should be taken on a relatively empty stomach, 1-1.5 hours prior to rolling, with a sugary juice (Grapefruit Juice is a good one!) to help the amino acids cross the blood brain barrier. Sometimes preloading can irritate some people's stomachs or cause diarrhea due to the acidity of the stomach. These symptoms can be easily counteracted by the following. Slow down the preload by mixing the substances into juice and then sipping the concoction over the course of an hour prior to a roll. Taking Immodium to counteract the diarrhea. Taking Tums or another calcium-carbonate antacid to reduce the acidity of the stomach and counteract the feelings of sickness one might encounter when coming up from a roll or after preloading.
The practice of postloading is used to "repair" after a roll. You restore the elements depleted by MDMA, and in doing so, bypass negative side effects and clean up your comedown while restoring normal function. You employ the same protective elements used in a pre-load regime, and a multivitamin would be beneficial to help replenish spent micronutrients. Again, don't forget the WATER! (In moderation as well, of course!)
You will know if you are bypassing the negative side effects of serotonin depletion if you can sleep soundly after rolling, and do not experience significant post-MDMA depression or disturbances in verbal processing, short term memory and eating patterns. I have personally found the technique to be helpful.
Dosage varies from person to person, but the following my serve as a guideline. Preloading: 1. 5-HTP - 200-400mg 2. Vitamin C - 1000+, since it is water soluble and so protective you really can't go wrong going high. Remember that orange juice and fruits are comparatively lower sources of vitamin C compared to supplements. 3. Magnesium - 500-1000mg. Post load: 1. 5-HTP - 200-400mg 2. Vitamin C - 1000mg+ 3. Magnesium - 500-1000mg Experement and take things slow as the sheer volume of pills ingested can upset the stomach. All elements are legal and can be found readily in health food stores and at online health food retailers.
It may seem expensive to buy all these things but remember, you're protecting your brain against neurotoxic effects and reducing other negative side effects. It is well worth it.