A pink pill depicting a ring with a star press on the front and a break line with the words ‘POP SMOKE’ and ‘300MG’ on the back. The sample was found to have a mass of 600mg with 41% purity (246mg free base).

What does this mean? A common dose of MDMA is between 80-120mg. This means the amount of MDMA in this pill is significantly more than the amount a person may usually expect to take.

The amount of MDMA in every tablet and capsule may vary a lot, even if they appear similar or are from the same batch, supplier or source.

Effects and signs of an MDMA overdose can include signs of serotonin toxicity, like confusion, agitation, overheating, seizures, fits, fast/irregular heart rhythm, muscle tension, uncontrolled movements (e.g. shaking foot/leg, wobbling eyes), nausea/vomiting, loss of consciousness.

The health risk is greatly increased in high amounts (within the 1 pill, or multiple pills) are consumed at one time or over an extended period (throughout a day/night). Some interactions with other stimulants and medications can increase the risk.

Test your stuff!

While the drug checking results for this sample was MDMA, as expected, CanTEST issued this notice because the amount found was much higher than a common dose. CanTEST uses equipment that can quantify the purity of active ingredients for most common drugs and scientific scales. For pills, the weight x purity indicates the amount of active drug.

See CanTEST for testing in Canberra.

Start low, go slow.

Take half or less and ask a trusted person to check on you. Experience adverse or unexpected effects? ask for help and don’t take more.

Stay hydrated and keep cool. Your hydration level at any given time is based on your fluid intake for the 72 hours prior; stay hydrated, but don’t drink too much (up to about 500mL per hour while physically active). Stay in the shade, use a cold compress, slow down and take breaks from dancing etc.

Think someone has overdosed?

Call 000 for an ambulance