Methylenedioxyamphetamine
Archives of Internal Medicine – October 01, 1981
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A patient’s tragic outcome from methylenedioxyamphetamine highlights its severe risks, including hyperthermia and coma. Initially stabilized, the patient experienced a rapid decline marked by uncontrollable hyperthermia, leading to death. This case underscores that the drug, often perceived as a mild hallucinogen, can cause significant harm. Phentolamine mesylate may be an effective treatment for hyperthermia in similar cases, emphasizing the need for awareness of the drug's serious medical implications beyond its recreational use.
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. (Arch Intern Med1981;141:1507-1509)