A FATAL OVERDOSE WITH 3,4-METHYLENEDIOXYAMPHETAMINE DERIVATIVES

Methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA or 'Ecstasy') is the best known of the 3,4-methylenedioxy ring-substituted amphetamines [1]. Reports of serious adverse reactions and fatalities associated with its use emphasise hyperpyrexia, profuse sweating and subsequent rhabdomyolysis, although cardiac deaths and fatal accidents whilst intoxicated are also prominent [2-5]. Other 3,4-methylenedioxy ring-substituted amphetamines are also available in the illicit market place and may have different spectra of activity [6]. We report here a case of fatal ingestion of a variety of drugs of this group.