Two blue ‘Hello Kitty’ press pills were brought to CanTEST for testing, expected to contain MDMA.

One pill was found to contain N,N-dimethylpentylone and 117mg MDMA (17% free base purity).

The second pill was found to contain N,N-dimethylpentylone and 243mg MDMA (37% free base purity).

What does this mean?

N,N-dimethylpentylone (DMP) is a synthetic cathinone. It’s a stimulant that may have similar risks to MDMA, but not the same effects.

Cathinones can significantly affect body temperature regulation and increase the risk of cardiac events (e.g., heart attack) and neurotoxicity.

When combined with MDMA, the risk is much higher.

Signs can include a fast heart rate, dilated pupils, disorientation, hallucinations, high blood pressure and overheating. Some user reports indicated that comedown from synthetic cathinones can last several days or weeks, and can be accompanies by insomnia and suicidal ideation.

The content of every pill or capsule may vary a lot, even if they appear similar or are from the same batch.

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.