Death following ingestion of MDMA (ecstasy) and moclobemide
Addiction – February 20, 2003
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Four individuals died after ingesting moclobemide alongside MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy. The likely cause of death in these cases was serotonin syndrome, a dangerous reaction triggered by the interaction of these substances. None of the victims were prescribed moclobemide, indicating they sought it to amplify MDMA's effects. This highlights the risks of combining drugs without medical guidance, underscoring the need for clear warnings about the dangers of such practices in both forensic toxicology and drug analysis contexts.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Four deaths following the ingestion of moclobemide and MDMA (‘ecstasy’) are described. The probable cause of death in each case was serotonin syndrome as a result of an interaction between the two drugs. As none of the victims had been prescribed moclobemide it seems that each had taken the drug to enhance the effects of MDMA, with fatal consequences. Warnings are needed against misinformed attempts to potentiate the pharmacological effects of illicit drugs.