Methylenedioxyamphetamine. Clinical description of overdose, death, and review of pharmacology

Methylenedioxyamphetamine, a street drug structurally similar to mescaline and amphetamine, can cause severe toxicity beyond hallucinations. A patient exhibited sympathomimetic effects, coma, seizures, hyperreflexia, and hyperthermia. Despite initial stabilization, uncontrollable hyperthermia, hematologic abnormalities, and coma led to death. Hyperthermia involves both central and peripheral mechanisms, so phentolamine (Regitine) mesylate may be the preferred treatment. The drug is not merely a mild hallucinogen.

Study at a glance

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.