The island’s Drug Advice Service and Helpline is warning users of Ecstasy to be aware of the risks after a number of deaths across the UK in recent months.
Shelly Stanley, director of service, said that there is never a guarantee of the contents of what’s in an Ecstasy pill nor its strength.
She said that so far it appears the some pills have included the Class A drug Paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA and PMMA) either alone or in conjunction with Ecstasy (MDMA).
Miss Stanley said: ‘PMA or PMMA is less likely to be deliberately used recreationally due to the toxicity but it has appeared in tablets sold as Ecstasy for a number of years but only recently have fatalities linked to it increased in such as short space of time.
‘PMA effects are similar to Ecstasy but take longer to cause an effect so users may take another pill in the mistaken belief that the first has not worked, resulting in a massive dose.
‘Added to this that Ecstasy patterns of use may involve users using multiple quantities of tablets in one session and thus presents a serious health risk.’
DASH’s advice for anyone who uses it is to take only half a tablet and wait an hour before taking the other half.
The organisations says: ‘Do not mix with other drugs including alcohol, caffeine and prescribed medications as this can increase the potency increasing risk. Tablets causing problems have varied from colour to colour and design, so there is no “one” identifying tablet, although we will post links and updates to what we know so far on our website.
‘The message will always be that the only way to stay safe is not to take drugs at all.
‘However, there will always be those who ignore that message.
‘Like drug services in the UK we’re saying if you intend to use Ecstasy or other tablets then be aware of the risks and what to do in an emergency, it could save your own or a friend’s life.
‘If someone becomes unwell after taking a tablet they need to get to A&E immediately, don’t try and sleep it off. For further confidential advice and information call us on 615622 or email info@drugs.org.im.’
Signs of an overdose could include:
Hyperthermia (very high body temperature or overheating)
Dehydration
Rapid heart rate
Increased blood pressure
Breathing difficulties
Seizures
Severe nausea and vomiting
