Common Street Drugs: MDMA (Ecstasy)

First Things First (assess & treat for the following)

  • Amphetamine derivative that is psychogenic & hallucinogenic
  • Results in catecholamine increase along with massive serotonin release
  • Often co-ingested w/ other drugs of abuse, resulting in mixed toxidromes
  • Effects include sense of euphoria, enhanced socializing, verbosity, increased sexual interest.
  • MDMA toxicity results in increased autonomic activity, including tachycardia, HTN, hyperthermia, mydriasis.
    • Cardiac monitoring & treat significant cardiac dysrhythmias.
    • Treat HTN & tachycardia w/ benzodiazepines.
    • Promptly treat severe hyperthermia w/ appropriate cooling measures.

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Last updated: April 15, 2010