After hearing about the two deaths related to Molly (pure MDMA) at Electric Zoo I felt inclined to comment not only as a nurse but also as a 20 something year old that loves to go out, meet new people, and try new things (and yes occasionally party with her…) The use of this drug has definitely increased and is becoming more and more popular and I think we need to protect each other. I am not for or against drug use. I think it is a personal choice made by adults who should be aware of the inherent risks. However, I do believe people need to be educated and aware in order to use drugs safely if they choose to do so.
I am a nurse, so it may strike some as odd that I would rather educate people on drugs rather than tell them not to use them. I really just don't think it is a realistic and useful strategy to "Just Say No." I have experience with various drugs, including Molly. It is not something I make a habit of, but it is something I have tried with my friends and have had both amazing and terrible experiences. As a result of the negative experiences I have had personally and shared with others, I began to understand that people are underestimating the harmfulness of the drug because in most cases it does not appear to have many negative side effects. However, when used in large doses, in combination with other pharmaceuticals, alcohol, or both the drug can become very dangerous. Furthermore, although in its pure form, Molly, is USUALLY not associated with severe side effects or death, you have to remember that the Molly you encounter at a festival, party, or club may not be pure. If you do not have experience with Molly variations (I didn't), you may not know if the substance is pure and you may take a dose that is altered chemically and potentially dangerous.
CNN health recently published an article titled "There's something (potentially dangerous) about Molly." In the article, Theodore Bania, a medical toxicologist and emergency medicine physician at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in New York, said "although many of the people who take molly don't end up in the emergency room, some users experience side effects that land them in the hospital" (Csomor 2013).
"MDMA, even in its pure form, can produce elevated heart rates and distortion of thought processes, causing users not to realize their rising body temperature or fading stamina as they continue to party. Combining MDMA with alcohol or other drugs can also be the cause of its more serious side effects. Bania frequently sees patients who have complications from MDMA, ranging from dehydration and exhaustion to more severe side effects such as hyperthermia, seizures, electrolyte abnormalities, cardiac episodes and comas. Also, as repeated use leads to higher levels of tolerance and therefore increased doses, negative side effects increase" (Csomor 2013).
I am not here to preach but to reach out to my fellow young people that may choose to take this drug. Be safe- at the end of the day it doesn't matter how many people use it or if Miley Cyrus sings about it, it is an illegal drug and it can kill you. Be smart about where you get it, how much you take and who you are with. Don't use it with other drugs or excessive alcohol use. While using the drug when clubbing, it is important to avoid dehydration, exhaustion and related hyperthermia. Take breaks from dancing, drink water, and don't drink more alcohol. Also, rehydrate in moderation- water intoxication is one of the main causes of death related to Molly. It is also important to know when you or your friend may be dealing with an overdose situation.Vomiting, dizziness, severe headaches, chest pain, strong muscle cramps, loss of consciousness, stiffening of body muscles, increased body temperature, and seizures are common symptoms of MDMA overdose. Don't wait if you think you or a friend may be in trouble- seek help immediately. Getting in trouble won't be an issue if you are dead.
My point: don't think you are invincible, because we aren't. You only get one shot at this life—I want it to be great, we all do. We all want to have those nights where you stay up all night with the people you love, doing things you know you probably shouldn't be doing, where the music and the lights and the atmosphere steals you away from reality. Those are the nights that we live for when are young. However, you don't want your one shot to be cut short because you didn't know or didn't acknowledge the potential dangers in your choices. No night out is worth dying for. All I'm asking is if you get together with Molly make sure you know exactly who you are dealing with, what you need to know, and when to seek help for yourself or a friend. She isn't a girl to mess with.
Csomor, Marina. September 3,2013. There's something (potentially dangerous) about Molly. CNN Health. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/02/health/electric-zoo-molly-mdma/?hpt=ju_c2
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