[Analysis of patients attended in an emergency department due to ecstasy consumption]

There has been in recent years an increase in the number of medical emergencies due to the consumption of designer drugs. We decided to study the characteristics of medical emergencies generated by the consumption of amphetamine derivates.

For the period 2000-2002, the medical records of patients attending the Emergency Department (ED) who claimed to have consumed ecstasy or other amphetamine derivates or whose toxicological tests were positive for amphetamines were reviewed.

A total of 230 cases were identified, of whom 135 attended the ED due directly to ecstasy consumption. The average age was 23 years and 68% were men. Most patients were attended on weekend nights. The main reasons for attendance at the ED were anxiety, agitation or cognitive disturbances, reduced consciousness and fits or motor disturbances. Eighty per cent of patients admitted having consumed ecstasy and 65% of patients had consumed additional drugs. Three severe cases were recorded: two died in the ED and another was admitted to the ICU.

Ecstasy consumption generates common attendance at the Emergency Department and can be potentially fatal.