The recent deaths of two young people who attended the Electric Zoo Festival at Randall’s Island this past weekend highlight the ever present dangers associated with the use of Molly, MDMA in crystalline form–typically considered a purer form of the drug. The remainder of concert was cancelled by the Mayor’s office after the two deaths.
The growing resurgence of the drug in the past decade has been linked to a number of musical artists who have made it a topic of their music in their lyrics–including Kanye West, Rick Ross, and Miley Cyrus.
According to data from the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), Emergency Department visits related to MDMA doubled to over 20,000, compared to levels seen in 2004.
While some believe that Molly, the purer or crystalline form of MDMA, is less harmful, the truth is that ingesting this supposed pure form is just as dangerous as taking Ecstasy, which is MDMA typically laced with other products or adulterants.
MDMA produces immediate feelings of increased energy, warmth, euphoria, and feelings of closeness and empathy as a result of a surge in serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Users typically experience an altered sense of perception, as well as time and space. Side effects can include dehydration, anorexia, feelings of anxiety as well as “bruxism” or teeth grinding.
The drug also causes a massive release of seratonin, which ultimately has the potential to result in a deadly condition known as seratonin syndrome, characterized by hyperthermia, rigid muscles, along with an altered mental status or confusion. The drug also leads to release of a hormone called ADH (antiduretic hormone) or vasopressin from the pituitary gland, which leads to water reabsorption and resulting hyponatremia (low serum sodium concentration) accompanied by swelling of the brain and resultant seizures.
With continued use of the drug–especially in crowded and hot settings–the potentially for dehydration increases, forcing users to continuously consume large quantities of water, further compounding the risks of developing hyponatremia, as a result of water intoxication.
Increased risks develop when users mix the drug with alcohol, synthetic cannabinoids, (K2 or Spice) or especially cocaine which contributes to its increased potential for toxicity. The euphoric feelings after a single dose of Molly can last anywhere from 2-6 hours, which is often repeated by users multiple times in typical patterns of use. Days later users are often overcome by feelings of depressed mood and extreme fatigue–linked to a sudden drop in serotonin levels.
The drug has a dangerous side effect profile which can be lethal due to sharp elevations of blood pressure, coupled with cardiac arrythmias, intractable seizures, as well as extreme elevations in body temperature (hyperthermia).
Molly is a combination of a stimulant and a psychedelic drug. As people gain tolerance to the stimulant effects of the drug, they continue to use more and more drug to achieve the psychedelic effects–but ultimately can’t. The end result is that people ingest greater quantities of the drug to chase the psychedelic effects–but ultimately develop toxic side effects from the stimulant component–including seizures, elevated blood pressure, as well as elevated body temperatures (hyperthermia) which can be deadly.
The truth is that there is no safe way to use Molly. It is a complete unknown as to what is truly contained in Molly when obtained on the street. It is often adulterated, and mixed with methamphetamine, heroin, ketamine, cocaine or synthetic cannabinoids such as mephedrone.
Since Molly is a street drug, there is no way to know what the make up of the drug truly is, and ultimately whether it is adulterated. As a result, it is possible to have toxic effects from consuming just a few pills.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no safe or responsible way to use Molly. The end result can lead to toxic side effects which can be lethal.
Parents need to have a serious discussion with their teens about the dangers of this drug. Article Link…