Skull shaped MDMA tablets trigger public health warning

As the music festival season begins, NSW Health is urging the public of the dangers of high-dose skullshaped MDMA, ecstasy tablets circulating across the state.

As the music festival season begins, NSW Health is urging the public of the dangers of high-dose skullshaped MDMA, ecstasy tablets circulating across the state.

The tablets are skull-shaped with ‘MYBRAND’ wording and logo imprinted on the reverse side. Recent high-dose examples have been blue, yellow, or pink-orange in colour.

Some of the tablets have also been found to contain dipentylone, a synthetic cathinone with stimulant effects.

Medical Director of the NSW Poisons Information Centre, Dr Darren Roberts said consuming high doses of MDMA has been linked to cases of serious illness and death in NSW.

“MDMA can cause severe agitation, raised body temperature, seizures or fits, irregular heart rhythm and death,” Dr Roberts said.

Skull shaped tablets with MYBRAND marking have been found containing high dose MDMA and a synthetic cathinone, dipentylone. Picture: NSW Police

“The amount of MDMA in a tablet or capsule can vary significantly, even within the same batch. The health risks from MDMA are greatly increased if high amounts (including multiple doses) are consumed over a short period.

“Hot environments, such as at music festivals, increase the risk of harm from MDMA. Taking a break from dancing, seeking shade and drinking water are important measures to reduce the risk of overheating.

“It is very important to remember if you or a friend has taken drugs and feel unwell, you won’t get into trouble for seeking medical care. If you or a friend feels unwell, please seek help immediately by calling triple-0 (000).

Dr Roberts advised the public to access medical providers and trained peer volunteers when at music festivals.

“There are experienced onsite medical providers and teams of well-trained peer volunteers from programs such as DanceWize NSW who are ready to support you at many major festivals. Other event staff are also trained to help patrons.”

Originally published as Skull shaped MDMA tablets trigger public health warning