An urgent warning has been issued over skull-shaped pills containing high doses of MDMA currently circulating in an Australian state.
The colorful tablets with the word ‘MYBRAND’ on one side have been detected in NSW and have prompted a warning from health officials.
NSW Health warned on Friday that the pills – which are blue, yellow, pink or orange in color – contain a higher dose of MDMA than normal.
Some tablets also reportedly contain dipentylone, 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 could cause serious illness or death.
He said symptoms of the illegal drug include severe agitation, elevated body temperature, seizures and irregular heart rhythm.
‘The amount of MDMA in a tablet or capsule can vary significantly, even within the same batch,’ said Dr Roberts.
‘The health risks of MDMA increase sharply if large quantities (including multiple doses) are consumed in a short period of time.’
The colorful tablets with the word ‘MYBRAND’ on one side have been detected in NSW, prompting a warning from health officials (one of the pills is pictured)
Dr. Roberts urged people to be aware of the effects of using MDMA in certain places, which can increase the risk of serious illness.
“Hot environments, such as at music festivals, increase the risk of harm from MDMA,” he said.
‘Taking a break from dancing, seeking shade and drinking water are important measures to reduce the risk of overheating.’
Australians have also been warned against using MDMA in combination with other stimulants, including amphetamines and cocaine.
One percent of Aussies aged 14 and over will have consumed methamphetamine and amphetamine between 2022 and 2023, according to figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
A study conducted by the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program found that Australia had the sixth highest average total consumption of stimulants between March and May 2022 among the countries surveyed.
Australia was behind the United States, Czech Republic, Sweden, Belgium and the Netherlands with 44 doses per 1,000 people per day.
Anyone who uses drugs and needs medical care should call triple zero.