Multiple severe complications from recreational ingestion of MDMA ('Ecstasy')
JAMA – August 14, 1987
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A 32-year-old woman experienced severe but reversible toxic reactions after ingesting 100 to 150 mg of MDMA, commonly known as Ecstasy. Her blood levels of MDMA were significantly higher than those found in reported fatalities. Within two hours, she exhibited symptoms including hallucinations, agitation, and a dangerously high heart rate of 150 beats per minute. Notably, her temperature soared to 41.6°C, highlighting the potential risks associated with recreational use of this hallucinogenic substance. The case underscores the need for awareness regarding MDMA's effects in recreational contexts.
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