High dose MDMA (ecstasy) tablets have been found in NSW – purple-grey ‘Punisher’ tablets
Warning
The purple -grey ‘Punisher’ skull design tablets contain 197mg of MDMA.
This is around twice the average amount usually contained in MDMA tablets circulating in NSW.
Please note: Tablet appearance is not a reliable indicator of drug contents
Know the risks
- You are at increased risk of harm if you:
- take multiple MDMA (ecstasy) tablets or capsules
- take a higher-dose MDMA (ecstasy) tablet or capsule
- use other stimulant drugs (e.g. amphetamines or cocaine) at the same time
- take MDMA in a hot environment like a music festival or indoor dance party
- MDMA (ecstasy) is often poorly manufactured and the amount of MDMA in a tablet or capsule can vary a lot, even within the same batch.
- The time from taking the drug to feeling any effect can vary significantly depending on the drug as well as the individual person. If it’s not working, don’t re-dose.
- High dose MDMA (ecstasy) 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 breathing.
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 & DanceWize NSW’s PeerLine on 1800 644 413 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or visit NUAA for a range of resources on opioids and naloxone.
- 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.
Reproduced by permission, NSW Health © 2024