Substance Abuse - Ecstasy (MDMA)

Ecstasy is otherwise known as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Detection window - 48 hours. Screening is difficult. Drug effects - tremulousness, anxiety, agitation, and palpitation. Watch carefully for arrhythmias. stroke, seizures, myocardial infarction, and sudden death have also been seen in patients abusing this drug. Toxicity - manifests as nausea, tachycardia, hyperthermia, hypertension, polydipsia, anxiety, bruxism, and fatal effects like disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), seizures, or death. Be aware that polydipsia can lead to hyponatremia. Treatment - treat hypertension and tachycardia with benzodiazepines. Cooling measures should be employed if the patient is hyperthermic. False positives - Pseudoephedrine, Vicks inhaler

Ecstacy is an amphetamine derivative that results in serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine release along with monoamine oxidase (MOA) inhibition. This drug is rarely taken in isolation. Other names - X, M, E XTC, Rolls, Clarity, Adam, Lover's speed, and hug drug. Routes - oral ingestion, IV, snorting. Recreational Effects - euphoria, hallucinations, increased sexual and social interest