Amphetamine or amphetamine-derivatives poisoning - Ecstasy and designer drugs

Ecstasy is the name used to refer to an amphetamine derivative MDMA, a prototype of the so-called "designer drugs".

Toxicity and death may occur after consuming just a single tablet.

Its immediate manifestations include euphoria, an increase in energy and sexual drive, a sensation of "love", happiness, calmness, and the ability to "connect", as well as less "comforting" effects such as bruxism, nausea, insomnia, depersonalisation sensation, depression and flashbacks, alongside other physical symptoms like headaches, vomit, and lumbago. The most dangerous effects include severe hypertension, hyperthermia, delirium, psychomotor agitation and acute hyponatraemia. All of them, potentially life-threatening.

It is diagnosed based on the review of the patient's clinical history and a physical examination.

If consumption has been very recent, a dose of activated charcoal will be administered along with supportive and symptomatic treatment. Severe cases may require admission to an intensive care unit and even artificial respiration.