Multiple Severe Complications From Recreational Ingestion of MDMA ('Ecstasy')

A 32-year-old woman experienced serious but reversible toxic reactions after ingesting an alleged 100 to 150 mg of MDMA (Ecstasy) powder. She arrived at the emergency department two hours later with agitation, hallucinations, combativeness, dilated pupils, rapid pulse (150 beats per minute), low blood pressure (90/50 mm Hg), rapid breathing (36/min), a high fever (41.6°C), and other symptoms. Her blood levels of MDMA were much higher than in any previously reported fatalities. Despite the severity, the reaction was reversible.

Study at a glance

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