Deaths related to MDMA (ecstasy/molly): Prevalence, root causes, and harm reduction interventions
Journal of Substance Use February 20, 2018 DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2018.1436607 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Misinformation Psychological intervention Harm reduction Drug Public health |
| Citations | 42 |
| Key findings | MDMA-related deaths are commonly misattributed to overdose, but are actually caused by hyperthermia, dehydration, drug interactions, or hyponatremia, which obscures effective risk reduction. |
Abstract
Recent data show that MDMA (3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine) related deaths (MRDs) are on the rise in several countries. This rise in MRDs has caught the attention of public health officials and treatment practitioners. Although MDMA is not a new drug, misinformation regarding the root causes of MRDs is still widespread. For example, MRDs continue to be reported as “overdoses” in the media and by government. This erroneously gives the impression that these deaths are caused by ingesting too high a dose, when in fact MRDs are usually due to factors such as hyperthermia, dehydration, drug interactions, or hyponaetremia. When the real culprits behind MRDs are obscured, we are left with an inaccurate picture about the extent and nature of the risk of consuming the drug. This also inhibits the implementation of effective drug education and risk reduction messages. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to explore MRDs further by: 1) providing a brief history of MDMA, 2) summarizing international prevalence rates of MRDs, 3) discussing factors that contribute to MRDs, and 4) identifying promising interventions to reduce MRDs. The information presented in this paper is particularly important given the international resurgence of recreational MDMA use (as molly) and the renewed interest in the drug’s therapeutic benefits.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Pharmacology of MDMA | 2004 | Review | |
| Human psychopharmacology of Ecstasy (MDMA): a review of 15 years of empirical research | 2001 | Review | |
| 3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “Ecstasy”): pharmacology and toxicology in animals and humans | 1994 | Review | |
| (±)3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (‘Ecstasy’)-Induced Serotonin Neurotoxicity: Studies in Animals | 2000 | Review | |
| Amphetamine toxicities | 2010 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 15
- Drug-drug interactions between psychiatric medications and MDMA or psilocybin: a systematic review Psychopharmacology March 7, 2022
- Positive psychology in the investigation of psychedelics and entactogens: A critical review Neuropharmacology November 1, 2018
- Harm reduction behaviours and harm experiences of people who use 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in Aotearoa New Zealand. Harm Reduction Journal March 21, 2024
- Prevalence and Correlates of Lifetime Ecstasy/MDMA Use Among Asian American and Pacific Islander Adult Populations in the United States, 2015–2020 Journal of Psychoactive Drugs March 3, 2025
- A thematic analysis of MDMA-related harm and harm reduction experiences and knowledge in Aotearoa New Zealand. Harm Reduction Journal May 23, 2024
and 10 more in the library
Cites 41
- A randomized, controlled pilot study of MDMA (±3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine)-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of resistant, chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Journal of Psychopharmacology October 31, 2012
- Human psychopharmacology of Ecstasy (MDMA): a review of 15 years of empirical research Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental December 1, 2001
- 'Eve' and 'Ecstasy'. A report of five deaths associated with the use of MDEA and MDMA JAMA March 27, 1987
- The origin of MDMA (ecstasy) revisited: the true story reconstructed from the original documents* Addiction July 8, 2006
- Decreased cerebral cortical serotonin transporter binding in ecstasy users: a positron emission tomography/[11C]DASB and structural brain imaging study Brain May 17, 2010
and 36 more in the library