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'Eve' and 'Ecstasy'. A report of five deaths associated with the use of MDEA and MDMA

G Dowling

JAMA March 27, 1987 DOI: 10.1001/jama.257.12.1615 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Case series Case report Peer reviewed
Sample size 5
Population Individuals whose deaths were associated with MDMA or MDEA use
Topics MDMA
Citations 301
Key findings MDMA and MDEA use can cause death, particularly in individuals with underlying cardiac disease, though such deaths appear rare.

Abstract

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "Ecstasy"), a synthetic analogue of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, has been the center of recent debate over its potential for abuse vs its use as a psychotherapeutic agent. Following its emergency classification in Schedule 1 by the Drug Enforcement Administration in 1985, 3,4-methylenedioxyethamphetamine (MDEA, "Eve") has appeared as MDMA's legal replacement. MDMA is thought to be safe by recreational users and by psychotherapists who support its use. The details of five deaths associated with the use of MDMA and MDEA are reported. In three patients, MDMA or MDEA may have contributed to death by the induction of arrhythmias in individuals with underlying natural disease. In another patient, use of MDMA preceded an episode of bizarre and risky behavior that resulted in accidental death. In another patient, MDMA was thought to be the immediate cause of death. Death as a consequence of the use of these drugs appears to be rare, but it does occur; this outcome may be more common in individuals with underlying cardiac disease.

Comparable studies

Other case reports and case series on MDMA, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Pathology of deaths associated with "ecstasy" and "eve" misuse. Young white men aged 20 to 25 who died after using ring-substituted amphetamines (MDMA... 1996 Case series n = 7
'Eve' and 'Ecstasy' Individuals who died after using MDMA or MDEA 1987 Case series n = 5
A Method of Conducting Therapeutic Sessions with MDMA Clients with clear therapeutic purpose, excluding those with serious functional... 1998 Case study n = 2
Diversity of Psychopathology Associated with use of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (‘Ecstasy’) Psychiatric patients presenting between 1990 and 1992 whose symptoms developed in the... 1994 Case series n = 13
Multiple Severe Complications From Recreational Ingestion of MDMA ('Ecstasy') A 32-year-old woman who ingested MDMA 1987 Case study n = 1

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