NSW Health has issued a public warning about a highly toxic MDMA (ecstasy) tablet currently in circulation and reportedly two to three times the common dosage.
Clinical Director of NSW Poisons Information Centre and Clinical Professor in Addiction Medicine at the University of Sydney, Andrew Dawson said just one of the MDMA tablets could cause life-threatening toxicity.
“The risk is greatly increased if high doses or multiple MDMA tablets or capsules are consumed over a short period, or if MDMA is consumed in combination with alcohol or other stimulants,” Professor Dawson said.
“Hot, humid weather also increases the dangers, as MDMA causes the body to dangerously overheat, potentially leading to organ failure, loss of consciousness and death,” he said.
Professor Dawson said NSW Police had recently seized a series of the high-dose orange coloured MDMA tablets labeled ‘QDANCE’.
“Consumption of high doses of MDMA has been linked to cases of serious illness and death in NSW.”
Professor Dawson said the high-dose tablets could cause severe agitation and paranoia, raised body temperature, seizures or fits, heart rhythm problems and death.
“If you feel unwell, or if your friend feels unwell, do something about it,” he said.
“Don’t ignore it; you won’t get into trouble for seeking medical care.”
Further information on MDMA tablets can be accessed at this PS News link.
