Rhabdomyolysis in MDMA intoxication: a rapid and underestimated killer. "Clean" Ecstasy, a safe party drug?
Herve Vanden Eede, Leon J Montenij, Daan J Touw, Elizabeth M Norris
Journal of Emergency Medicine June 2012 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2009.04.057 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | A patient with lethal MDMA intoxication |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Key findings | The patient died from rapidly evolving hyperkalemia due to rhabdomyolysis following pure MDMA intoxication, with a serum MDMA level of 1.5 mg/L and no other drugs detected. The authors contend that MDMA is not inherently safe and that public education on its dangers is needed. |
Abstract
Ecstasy is a popular drug among young adults. It is often thought to be safe. The dose of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in a tablet of Ecstasy varies greatly, and there is also a difference in individual response to a dose of MDMA. To increase the awareness of potential mortality in MDMA use. We report the case of a patient with a lethal intoxication after pure MDMA intoxication. The serum toxicology screening showed an elevated level of MDMA (1.5 mg/L) but no other amphetamines or other drugs. The cause of death was a rapidly evolving hyperkalemia due to rhabdomyolysis. There is still a need to educate the public about the dangers of this so-called "safe" party drug.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 'Eve' and 'Ecstasy'. A report of five deaths associated with the use of MDEA and MDMA Individuals whose deaths were associated with MDMA or MDEA use | 1987 | Case series | n = 5 |
| 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 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 9
- Designer drugs: mechanism of action and adverse effects Archives of Toxicology April 1, 2020
- Key interindividual determinants in MDMA pharmacodynamics Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology January 5, 2018
- Use characteristics and harm potential of ecstasy in The Netherlands Drugs Education Prevention and Policy September 10, 2020
- Is there a place for psychedelics in sports practice? Acta Neuropsychiatrica 2025
- MDMA("Ecstasy") abuse leading to delayed onset rhabdomyolysis: A case report and literature review. Clinical Case Reports September 1, 2024
and 4 more in the library
Cites 4
- Human Deaths and Toxic Reactions Attributed to MDMA and MDEA Ecstasy: The Clinical, Pharmacological and Neurotoxicological Effects of the Drug MDMA 1990
- Hyperkalemia in fatal MDMA ('ecstasy') toxicity. International journal of cardiology February 2004
- Toxicity and deaths from 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine ("ecstasy"). The Lancet August 15, 1992
- An overdose of ecstasy. A role for dantrolene. Anaesthesia August 1992