Four grey ‘grim reaper’ press pills with a score mark on the rear were brought to CanTEST for testing, expected to contain MDMA.

The samples were found to contain:

A) was found to have a mass of 359mg, containing 38% of MDMA (equivalent to 162mg of MDMA free base)

B) was found to have a mass of 358mg, containing 38% of MDMA (equivalent to 162mg of MDMA free base)

C) was found to have a mass of 358mg, containing 44% MDMA (equivalent to 225mg MDMA free base)

D) was found to have a mass of 401mg, containing 59% MDMA (equivalent to 282mg MDMA 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 pill or capsule may vary a lot, even if they appear similar or are from the same batch, supplier or source.

Effects

Effects 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 and loss of consciousness. The health risk is greatly increased if 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.

Reducing the harm

Test your stuff!

While the drug checking results for this example was MDMA, as expected, we’re issuing 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.

Come and see us at CanTEST for testing in Canberra.

Start low, go slow.

Take half or less and ask a trusted person to check on you.

Experiencing 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 500 mL 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.