TOXIC EFFECT OF ECSTASY

Increasing use: Ecstasy is an amphetamine derivative used for its psyc hostimulating properties. Use has followed a mode coming from English- speaking countries. In France the progression has persisted since 1987 as evidenced indirectly by the increasing number of calls to the anti -poison centers in Paris for undesirable effects following use of ecst asy. These calls come from a young adult population, 78 % being under 26 years of age. For 39 % of the calls, ecstasy was taken with other t oxic agents: narcotics, alcohol and benzodiazepines. Minor and serious adverse effects: Minor side effects are expected and usually tolerate d by users. Serious adverse effects can be fatal even without an overd ose. Deaths have been reported after single dose intake or at doses be low 150 mg. Multiple consequences: Serious adverse effects preferentia lly affect the central nervous system, the cardiovascular system tem a nd metabolism. Cardiac dysrhythmia is the main cause of death. Some pa tients have died Within a few hours due to malignant hyperthermia. The circumstances surrounding ecstasy use at 'rave' parties plays a role in the development of these disorders. Seizures, collapsus, coagulopat hy and acute renal failure as well as fulminant hepatitis have all bee n reported as causes of death due to ecstasy. No antidote: The best ma nagement of acute side effects after ecstasy use is not perfectly esta blished but basically relies on symptomatic treatment.