Ecstasy abuse in Ireland.

Since the late 1970s, ecstasy (MDMA) has enjoyed increasing popularity as a recreational drug. We report a dramatic increase in reports of ecstasy ingestion to the National Poisons Information Centre from zero in January 1991 to thirty seven in June 1992. We have analysed these thirty seven cases retrospectively for age and sex distribution, clinical details and outcome. The patients involved were predominantly male (80%) and aged 10-30 years, the highest incidence being in the 16-25 year old age group. Thirty two (86%) patients were symptomatic. Symptoms in most cases were relatively mild. One death was reported due to congestive heart failure. The symptoms most frequently reported include dilated pupils, agitation, excitement, hallucinations, tachycardia, palpitations, CNS depression, incontinence and psychiatric symptoms.