Presentation
The present case shows that only one Ecstasy tablet can have a fatal outcome. In fact, this case is one of a series of 14 Ecstasy-related deaths in a three-year time span in Ontario; all of the cases are being reviewed. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Cardiovascular
- Hypertension
Physicians, especially emergency department physicians and general practitioners, should be familiar with the morbidity of Ecstasy, which ranges from an increase in sympathetic tone (tachycardia, hypertension, sweating, mydriasis) to more severe symptoms [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Neurologic
- Seizure
Finally, looking at the patient’s sodium level on admission, she could have had a fatal hyponatremic seizure. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Combined with the loss of body salts through heavy sweating, excessive amounts of water can cause a severe imbalance of electrolytes, leading to brain swelling, seizures or organ failure. Agitation. [eu.northjersey.com]
People who suffer an adverse reaction to ecstasy can have psychotic breakdowns, hallucinations and agitation as well as seizures, kidney failure and, in rare cases, heart attacks, he said. [vancouversun.com]
Seizures. While the risk of overdosing on ecstasy is not as high as with drugs such as cocaine or heroin, the risk exists. [mentalhelp.net]
- Convulsions
[…] of MDMA, you may also experience: floating sensations perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations out-of-character irrational behaviour anxiety irritability, paranoia and aggression vomiting high body temperature racing heart beat convulsions [adf.org.au]
Urogenital
- Kidney Failure
People who suffer an adverse reaction to ecstasy can have psychotic breakdowns, hallucinations and agitation as well as seizures, kidney failure and, in rare cases, heart attacks, he said. [vancouversun.com]
Treatment
Treatment of physical symptoms precedes psychosocial treatment, which is offered once the individual is stable. [mentalhelp.net]
The initial treatment should concentrate on these symptoms. The general opinion of Ecstasy’s reputed safety should be corrected. Among adolescents and the lay public, Ecstasy is still considered to be a safe drug. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Prevention
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). June 11, 2010 / 59(22);677-681 Johnston L. et al (2014). Key Findings on Adolescent Drug Use. Monitoring the Future: National Survey Results on Drug Use. [mentalhelp.net]