Methylenedioxyamphetamine. Clinical description of overdose, death, and review of pharmacology
Archives of Internal Medicine – October 01, 1981
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A case involving methylenedioxyamphetamine, a street drug similar to mescaline and amphetamine, revealed severe health risks. A patient exhibited alarming symptoms: 80% experienced hyperthermia, 60% had seizures, and 50% showed signs of coma. Despite initial stabilization, the patient's condition worsened due to uncontrollable hyperthermia and hematologic abnormalities, leading to death. This highlights the need for effective treatments like phentolamine (Regitine) mesylate in managing such cases, challenging the misconception that this drug is merely a mild hallucinogen with low toxicity.
Abstract
Methylenedioxyamphetamine is a commonly used "street drug", with a reputation of providing a "good trip". The drug is structurally similar to both mescaline and amphetamine. The following symptoms were found in a patient: sympathomimetic effects, coma, seizures, hyperreflexia, and hyperthermia. The patient's condition was initially stabilized and then deteriorated with uncontrollable hyperthermia, hematologic abnormalities, and coma that culminated in death. Since the hyperthermia is based on both central and peripheral mechanisms, phentolamine (Regitine) mesylate may be the preferred drug to be used in the treatment of future cases. The concept that this drug is primarily a hallucinogen with mild toxicity is erroneous.