MDMA: avoid an overdose and stay safe
Take care of yourself and your mates if using MDMA, avoid an overdose and stay safe!
MDMA OVERDOSE – SEROTONIN SYNDROME
Fact or Fiction? – You cannot overdose on stimulants such as MDMA?
FICTION!
MDMA releases serotonin, which is the ‘happy hormone’ associated with the euphoria that comes from MDMA. But too much serotonin can cause serious health issues. This is known as serotonin syndrome- the release of too much serotonin in your brain. Serotonin syndrome can be fatal and these deaths are often caused by the body overheating (hyperthermia).
SIGNS OF AN OVERDOSE
Signs of serotonin syndrome can range from mild to severe, look out for:
- Racing heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- High body temperature
- Convulsions
- Muscle spasms
- Confusion and agitation
- Difficulty breathing
- Unconsciousness
- Seizures
- Symptoms of a heart attack or stroke
If someone is showing signs of overdose – DON’T HESITATE! CALL 000 IMMEDIATELY!
RISKS OF OVERDOSE
- Taking a high dose of MDMA
- Taking MDMA in the heat
- Mixing MDMA with other serotonergic substances like cocaine, LSD, amphetamines (including prescriptions such as dexamphetamine) and synthetic cathinones.
- Mixing MDMA with prescription medications that effect serotonin such as many antidepressants (SSRIs and MAOIs), DXM (a cough suppressant found in many over the counter cold medicines) and Tramadol (an opioid that also effects serotonin receptors)
- Mixing MDMA with herbal supplements such as St John’s Wart and 5-HTP
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF AN OVERDOSE
- Get (medical) help immediately if you or someone else experience any overdose symptoms or is not responding to you.
- Let medical staff know what drugs and alcohol have been taken, how much, and how recently.
- If you are in a club or at a dance party, attract the attention of medical or security staff, or party Rovers.
- If you have notified someone or are waiting for an ambulance, lay the person on their left side (recovery position) so if they vomit, they won’t choke. Make sure their air passage is clear and their chin is not pressed up against their chest.
- Remove any excess clothing and try to cool them down using a fan, small sips of water, cool shower if available, or damp cloth.
- Stay with them until help arrives.
For more information on MDMA, head to:
Ecstasy/MDMA-Between the Lines
For more information on Serotonin Syndrome, head to:
ADIS (Alcohol and other Drugs Information Service)
Sydney : 02 9361 8000
Country NSW : 1800 422 599