The Agony & Ecstasy

Designer drug can cause death

Publication title: Edmonton Journal
Pages: D11
Section: LIFE
Publication date: Aug 18, 1992
Dateline: London
ProQuest document ID: 251853487
Copyright: (Copyright The Edmonton Journal)


Abstract:

Youngsters with a regular habit of taking Ecstasy at the parties risk developing hyperthermia as a result of fluid loss and sustained physical exertion, said the team from the poisons centre at London's Guy's Hospital.

Full text:
The so-called designer drug Ecstasy, used as a stimulant by party-going youngsters, is far more dangerous than people think and can cause death or organ damage, British researchers said last week.

Scientists at Britain's National Poisons Unit reported that use of the drug, a mood-enhancer taken in tablet form, could lead to liver and kidney disorders, blood-clotting problems, muscle breakdown, brain damage, depression and hyperthermia.

Writing in the Lancet medical journal, they reported seven Ecstasy-related deaths last year and 17 other cases of severe poisoning. Some of the cases were road accidents attributed directly to the effects of the synthetic stimulant, which users say produces a strong feeling of euphoria.

The researchers warned that it was dangerously complacent to see Ecstasy as a safe alternative to hard drugs such as heroin because its effects tended to be aggravated by the circumstances of use - often at hot, sweaty dance parties called Raves.

Youngsters with a regular habit of taking Ecstasy at the parties risk developing hyperthermia as a result of fluid loss and sustained physical exertion, said the team from the poisons centre at London's Guy's Hospital.

Ecstasy, officially MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine), was banned in Britain 15 years ago.