Aussie Authorities Say Extra Strong Ecstasy Pills Are Doing The Rounds In Sydney

Authorities in Sydney have warned there are extra-strong ecstasy pills that are being sold in the lead up to New Year's Eve.

NSW Health has tested several batches of seized blue pingaz over the last few weeks, which have revealed they contain a very high amount of toxic substances.

In some cases they're up to two times stronger than a regular pill. The ones that have been seized so far are blue, round and have the Superman logo imprinted onto it.

Acting Medical Director of the NSW Poisons Information Centre, Professor Andrew Dawson, said: "It can cause severe agitation and paranoia, raised body temperature, seizures or fits, irregular heart rhythm and death.

"While one MDMA tablet or capsule alone can cause life-threatening toxicity, the risk is greatly increased if high doses or multiple MDMA tablets or capsules are consumed over a short period, or if MDMA is consumed in combination with other stimulants, such as alcohol and cocaine."

Some drug users will happily take two at once to get a bigger hit without realising how much MDMA is contained within each pill.

However, downing two of these is like taking four at once, which could be fatal.

Prof. Dawson added that the lead up to New Year's Eve is expected to have toasty weather and that combined with ecstasy can also spell trouble.

He told 9News: "Hot and humid weather will also increase the dangers, as MDMA causes the body to dangerously overheat, potentially leading to organ failure, loss of consciousness and death.

"Look after your mates. If you feel unwell, or if your friend feels unwell, do something about it. Don't ignore it. You won't get into trouble for seeking medical care."

Taking ecstasy in the heat can also see partygoers drink loads of water, which can cause a condition called 'hyponatremia' or water intoxication.

The substance can impair your body's ability to recognise when it's had too much H20 and that can dilute your body's electrolytes.

That can lead to nausea or vomiting, headache, confusion and fatigue. It's important to strike the right hydration balance if you end up taking ecstasy or MDMA.

NSW Health has urged people to be on the lookout for the following symptoms if they feel like they've had too much: feeling really hot, light headedness, rigid muscles, confusion or agitation, racing pulse/heart, feeling aggressive, uncontrolled repetitive movements, vomiting, seizures, difficult to rouse / unconscious.

Featured Image Credit: NSW Health

Topics: Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

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