Over one quarter of pills tested in recent months that were expected to be MDMA tablets actually contained MDA (3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine)

What is it?

MDA is a stimulant with hallucinogenic properties – similar to MDMA but:

• Slower onset (up to 90 minutes)

• Longer lasting (4-6 Hours)

• More intense psychedelic effects

Important to note:

MDA is not MDMA –

If you are expecting MDMA and take MDA the results can be unpleasant and unpredictable.

More information on MDA can be found at https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/mda

Hospital data suggest MDA adulteration has been increasing since 2024 and has continued to increase in 2025.

Harm reduction tips:

Start Low — Go Slow

Tablet concentrations can vary – there may be high dose tablets in your batch.

Avoid mixing substances

Risk of overdose is increased if it is used alongside other psychoactive substances, particularly those that increase serotonin.

Many of these pills contain some MDMA

While MDA has been found as the primary ingredient, many of these pills have also been found to contain some MDMA as a second component. Home reagent test kits could be unreliable when both MDA and MDMA is present.

Overdose response:

Call 000 immediately if you or someone else feels any of the following effects:

• Agitation or confusion

• Heavy sweating, racing heartbeat, feeling very hot

• Shaking, muscle twitching or stiff muscles

• Nausea and vomiting

• Loss of consciousness or seizures

Put the person in the recovery position — (lay them on their side with their top leg bent and bottom arm put up straight under their head so they can’t roll onto their back)

Try and reduce core body temperature with cool towels or icepacks.

Further Information

Victorian Pill Testing Service

Get your drugs tested!
Only a very small amount is needed – approximately 10mg (0.01g)

Opening hours:

• Thursdays: 12pm – 4pm
• Fridays: 3pm – 7pm
• Saturdays: 1pm – 7pm

Location:
95 Brunswick Street
Fitzroy VIC

Call: 1800 762 844
Website: www.vicpilltesting.org.au

This information will be sent to the Department of Health for statewide drug risk assessment and response