Multiple Severe Complications From Recreational Ingestion of MDMA ('Ecstasy')
JAMA – August 14, 1987
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A young woman experienced severe but reversible toxicity after ingesting 100 to 150 mg of MDMA, with blood levels exceeding those in previous fatalities. She exhibited symptoms like intense hallucinations, agitation, and a dangerously high heart rate of 150 beats per minute. Upon arrival at the emergency department, her temperature reached 41.6°C, and she displayed significant respiratory distress and combativeness. This case highlights the potential risks associated with MDMA use, emphasizing the need for awareness in the context of psychedelics and drug studies.
Abstract
To the Editor.— We would like to report the case of a young woman who suffered serious but reversible toxic reactions from a recreational dose of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "Ecstasy") and whose blood levels of MDMA were much higher than in any of the fatalities reported by Dowling et al.1 Report of a Case.— A 32-year-old woman and her friend, both of whom had used MDMA before, ingested an alleged 100 to 150 mg of MDMA powder mixed in apple juice. The patient reported rapid onset of general body tingling, vivid color enhancement, and visual hallucinations, but had no memory of ensuing events. Two hours after ingestion, her friend brought her to the emergency department. Significant findings included agitation; hallucinations; combativeness; diaphoresis; dilated pupils (7 mm); pulse rate, 150 beats per minute; blood pressure, 90/50 mm Hg; respirations, 36/min; rectal temperature, 41.6°C; diffuse wheezing; diminished bowel sounds; vertical nystagmus; tonic