High dose MDMA (ecstasy) tablets recently found in NSW – also containing a synthetic cathinone
Source: NSW Health
Skull shaped tablets with MYBRAND marking have been found containing high dose MDMA and a synthetic cathinone, dipentylone (also known as N,N-dimethylpentylone).
The risk of harm is increased when MDMA is taken with other stimulants including synthetic cathinones, amphetamines or cocaine.
Pink-orange: 182-185mg MDMA + dipentylone
Blue: 162mg MDMA + dipentylone
Yellow: 151 mg MDMA
Other recently tested skull shaped tablets with MYBRAND marking have contained MDMA with ketamine or 2′-fluoro-2-oxo-PCE (a ketamine analogue, also known as 2F-NENDCK, or 2-fluoro-N-ethylnordeschloroketamine).
Tablet appearance is not a reliable indicator of drug contents.
Know the risks
- Synthetic cathinones are stimulants that may have similar effects to MDMA and other amphetamines. There is limited information on the specific effects of dipentylone.
- MDMA tablets are often poorly manufactured and the amount of MDMA and other substances in a tablet can vary a lot, even within the same batch.
- You are at increased risk of harm if you:
- Take multiple MDMA (ecstasy) tablets or capsules
- Take a higher-dose MDMA tablet or capsule
- Take MDMA in a hot environment like a music festival or indoor dance party
- The time from taking the drug to feeling any effect can vary between people and tablets. If it’s not working, don’t re-dose.
- High dose MDMA use has been linked to death and other serious harms.
Effects to look out for
- Feeling really hot and sweaty
- Racing heart/pulse or light-headedness
- Rigid muscles (e.g. difficulty walking), uncontrolled repetitive movements, seizures
- Confusion or agitation, feeling aggressive, difficult to rouse or unconscious
- Vomiting
If you or others experience these symptoms after taking MDMA, get help immediately.
Getting help
If you or your friends see the warning signs of overdose:
- Seek help immediately from your nearest emergency department or call Triple Zero (000). You won’t get into trouble for seeking medical care.
- Start CPR if someone is not responsive.
Support and advice
For free and confidential advice:
- Call Alcohol and Drug Information Service(ADIS) on 1800 250 015 at any time 24/7. Start a Web Chat with an ADIS counsellor Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5pm.
- Call NUAA on 1800 644 413 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) to speak to a peer or visit NUAA for a range of resources.
- Call the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for information on adverse effects from drugs.
- Visit Your Room for fact sheets and other resources.
