Warning as MDMA tablets with double the average dose circulate around one Aussie state

MDMA tablets with about twice the average dose have been circulating in New South Wales, health authorities have warned.

The skull-shaped tablets have the word ‘MYBRAND’ and are blue or pink/orange in colour.

NSW Poisons Information Center medical director Dr Darren Roberts has warned that taking high doses of MDMA, also known as ecstasy, can cause serious illness or death.

“MDMA can cause severe agitation, increased body temperature, convulsions or seizures, irregular heartbeat and death,” he said.

‘Other risks include taking MDMA in combination with other stimulants, such as amphetamines or cocaine.

‘The amount of MDMA in a tablet or capsule can vary greatly, even within the same batch. The health risks of MDMA increase considerably if large amounts (including multiple doses) are consumed over a short period.’

He said taking these types of drugs in hot environments like music festivals also increases the risk of harm from MDMA.

“It’s very important to remember that if you or a friend have used drugs and are not feeling well, you should be okay with seeking medical attention,” Dr. Roberts said.

MDMA is a stimulant that leaves its users feeling euphoric.

Similarly, in November last year, two other types of MDMA were found to be circulating with twice the dosage of the average tablet, some containing a dangerous mix of other drugs.

The marked pills include a blue diamond-shaped pill stamped with the Marvel Comics character ‘Punisher’ and a yellow pill stamped with the cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants.

The blue skull tablet was also circulating last November.

The Punisher and MYBRAND pills contain 216 mg of ketamine, while the SpongeBob pills contain 160 mg.

Some of the MDMA tablets contain a dangerous combination of other drugs such as cathinones, ketamine and ketamine analogues.

New South Wales Poisons Information Center 13 11 26.