Methylenedioxyamphetamine

Methylenedioxyamphetamine, a street drug structurally similar to both mescaline and amphetamine, can cause severe and fatal toxicity, contrary to its reputation as a mild hallucinogen. A patient experienced sympathomimetic effects, coma, seizures, hyperreflexia, and hyperthermia. After initial stabilization, the condition deteriorated with uncontrollable hyperthermia, hematologic abnormalities, and coma leading to death. Because hyperthermia involves both central and peripheral mechanisms, phentolamine mesylate may be the preferred treatment in future cases.

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. (Arch Intern Med1981;141:1507-1509)