NSW Health has issued an alert for high dosage MDMA (ecstasy) tablets currently circulating in the community, warning the pills could be up to three times the strength of regular tablets.
Acting Clinical Director of the NSW Poisons Information Centre, Nicholas Buckley said the dose of MDMA could vary significantly between tablets and capsules, even in the same batch.
“The dose of MDMA tablets and capsules that are circulating can vary by up to 10-fold,” Dr Buckley said.
“Some tablets contain two to three times the dose commonly found in tablets in NSW,” he said.
Dr Buckley said consumption of MDMA has been linked with cases of serious illness and death.
“Consumption of high doses of MDMA can cause serious illness, which may include severe agitation and paranoia, raised body temperature, seizures or fits, heart rhythm problems and death,” he said.
“Please take care of yourself and look after your mates.”
He said anyone who had taken MDMA and was experiencing adverse effects should seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero.
“You won’t get into trouble from seeking medical care,” Dr Buckley said.
