Master MDMA (Ecstasy) Toxicity: Management with Picmonic for Medicine

As one of the more common clinical manifestations of MDMA toxicity is severe hypertension, blood pressure management is essential in preventing potentially catostrophic sequellae such as myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, and intracerebral hemorrhage. Importantly, the hypertension seen in MDMA toxicity is mediated by both central and peripheral components of the nervous system. The central component is mediated by activation of the CNS at the level of the thalamus, and the peripheral component is mediated by action at adrenergic receptors in both cardiac muscle and vasular smooth muscle tissue.

Benzodiazapines are a first-line treatment for hypertension associated with MDMA toxicity. Benzodiazapines exert their action by activating GABA receptors in the central nervous system, leading to CNS depression and hence dampening the central component of MDMA toxicity that leads to hypertension.

Nitroprusside may also be used to treat hypertension associated with MDMA use, especially in cases that are refractory to benzodiazapines. Nitroprusside acts by causing the release of nitrous oxide (NO) in the peripheral circulation, which leads directly to vasodilation and therefore lowered blood pressure.

If ingestion of MDMA is known to have taken place within an hour prior to presentation, activated charcoal may be used to prevent further absorption into the blood stream, which it does by binding the ingested drug.

Severe hyperthermia can be seen in MDMA toxicity, with severely elevated core body temperature (above 107˚F) necessitating active cooling by ice bath until the temperature lowers to around 100˚F. Antipyretics should be avoided.

Cyproheptadine is the first-line treatment when serotonin syndrome is suspected. It acts by exerting its effect as a potent serotonin antagonist and antihistamine with anticholinergic effects.

Fluid restriction is the first-line therapy for patients with asymptomatic hyponatremia caused by MDMA toxicity. This is because their hyponatremia is likely caused by excessive free water intake. Conversely, patients who are symptomatic with hyponatremia (serum sodium usually <120 mmol/L) require more aggressive management.

Hypertonic saline can be used to quickly reverse hyponatremia (serum sodium usually <120 mmol/L) if it is severe enough to cause changes in mental status. In asymptomatic cases, fluid restriction remains the preferred approach for correcting hyponatremia.