Every time you take Ecstasy, you are at risk.
Fraser Health is warning young people that Ecstasy use can lead to serious consequences – hyperthermia (high body temperature), seizures, brain damage or even death. We have had some serious cases of ecstasy toxicity in the Fraser Health region in the last few months. Young people in their late teens, 20s and early 30s are most at risk. There is no known safe dose of ecstasy.
If you are with someone who feels unwell or is in medical distress after using Ecstasy, call 9-1-1 immediately.
- If you took Ecstasy and feel sick or overheated, don’t wait! Go to a hospital. By the time some people got there, it was too late and they died. (You won’t get arrested!)
- Ecstasy is almost ALWAYS a combo drug. You never know what’s in it.
- PMMA (a toxic meth chemical) has been found in people who died taking so-called Ecstasy. Even by itself, Ecstasy can cause dangerous body overheating. Overheating can cause seizures, brain damage, or death. PMMA can block the Ecstasy high so people take more and overheat more easily. E + PMMA = more toxic.
- Even 1 or 2 tabs can be a problem. Some people’s bodies just can’t handle even one tab. Taking several tabs at once or over a few hours can really be dangerous.
- Using other drugs (alcohol, prescriptions or other street drugs) at the same time makes toxic effects worse.
- If you take Ecstasy, always have someone who is not high with you to take you to hospital right away if you get sick or overheat.
- Best idea? Don’t do Ecstasy. Remember, you never know what you are really taking.
