Dr Death found in ecstasy tablets in Melbourne

A more toxic and deadlier drug known as ‘Dr Death’ is being found laced in ecstasy across Melbourne, health authorities warn.

A drug known as Dr Death which has been found in ecstasy tablets in Melbourne has prompted a warning from health officials.

The Department of Health said on Friday that Para-Methoxymethamphetamine PMMA had recently been detected in MDMA.

A department statement PMMA presents as broken-up yellow crystals and is an “empathogen” with stimulant and mild hallucinogenic effects.

“While all drug use comes with risks, PMMA is significantly more toxic than MDMA (ecstasy), especially if consumed unknowingly,” Department of Health statement said.

PMMA has been detected in MDMA tablets.

“PMMA takes longer than MDMA to have an effect, which has led some people to consume too much (overdose). If you have a delayed reaction to a drug, do not take more.”

PMMA can have serious side-effects, including severe shortness of breath, hyperthermia, cardiac arrest, convulsions, sudden collapse, multiple organ failure and death.

“Consuming PMMA and MDMA together, or with other substances like cocaine or alcohol, will further increase the risk of unwanted and potentially fatal effects,” the statement said.

“If you experience adverse drug effects, or are present when someone has an unexpected reaction, seek help immediately by calling triple-0 (000).”

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation website says PMMA has been around since the 1970s.

It had been linked to deaths in England and Wales as recently as 2012 and has had fatal consequences in Australia.

The website says its nicknames include Death, Dr Death, Pink Ecstasy, Red Mitsubishi, Killer, Chicken Powder, Chicken Yellow.