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Lethal MDMA intoxication: a case report

Publication at Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové |
2023

Abstract

Ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA) is among the three most commonly used drugs in Europe. It is used for its stimulating and hallucinogenic effects.

MDMA is most often used as tablets or capsules. Serious intoxications are rare.

Their symptoms are determined by an increase in the level of serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline. These severe symptoms are serotonin syndrome with severe hyperthermia, rhabdomyolysis and renal failure, as well as circulatory symptoms (hypertension, tachycardia, heart failure, dysrhythmias).

The case report describes a case of severe intoxication of a young man in whom the symptoms progressed to multiorgan failure refractory to all used therapeutic methods.