An urgent warning has been issued over skull-shaped pills containing a high dose of MDMA currently circulating in one Australian state.
Colored tablets with the word ‘MYBRAND’ printed on the side were spotted in New South Wales and prompted an alert from health officials.
NSW Health warned on Friday that the pills, which come in blue, yellow, pink or orange, contain a higher than normal dose of MDMA.
Some of the tablets also contain dipenttylone, a type of synthetic drug that has stimulant effects on the user.
NSW Poisons Information Center medical director Dr Darren Roberts said taking high doses of MDMA can cause serious illness or death.
He said symptoms of the illegal drug include severe agitation, increased body temperature, seizures and irregular heartbeat.
“The amount of MDMA in a tablet or capsule can vary significantly, even within the same batch,” Dr. Roberts said.
“The health risks from MDMA increase significantly if high amounts (including multiple doses) are consumed over a short period.”
Colorful tablets with the word ‘MYBRAND’ printed on one side were spotted in New South Wales and prompted an alert from health officials (one of the pills shown)
Dr Roberts urged people to be aware of the effects of taking MDMA in certain locations, which can increase the risk of serious illness.
“Hot environments, such as music festivals, increase the risk of harm from MDMA,” he said.
“Pausing from dancing, seeking shade, and drinking water are important steps to reduce the risk of overheating.”
Australians have also been warned not to take MDMA with other stimulants, including amphetamines and cocaine.
One per cent of Australians aged 14 and over used methamphetamine and amphetamine between 2022 and 2023, according to figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
A study by the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program revealed that Australia had the sixth highest average total stimulant consumption among countries surveyed between March and May 2022.
Australia ranked behind the United States, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Belgium and the Netherlands with 44 doses per 1,000 people per day.
Anyone who uses drugs and requires medical attention should call triple zero.