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The “ecstasy” hangover: Hyponatremia due to 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine

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Abstract

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, or “ecstasy”) has gained an undeserved reputation as a “safe” drug among its users. However, hyperthermia, rhabdomyolysis, hepatotoxicity, disseminated intravascular coagulation, long-term serotonergic neurotoxicity, and death are all associated with MDMA use. Hyponatremia is also reported, and its manifestations are frequently delayed several hours after the drug is ingested. The etiology of this hyponatremia is unclear; both the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone release (SIADH) and free-water intoxication are advanced as explanations. We describe a 19-year-old female who presented to the emergency department with altered mental status 1 day after using MDMA. Her initial serum sodium was 121 mmol/L, and computerized tomography (CT) of her head demonstrated cerebral edema. She was treated with hypertonic saline and fluid restriction, and her serum sodium increased to 132 mmol/L over the next 24 hours. She regained consciousness completely within 48 hours of presentation and recovered uneventfully. MDMA toxicity, particularly the pathophysiology and treatment of MDMA-induced hyponatremia, are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Medical Toxicology, New York City Poison Control Center, 455 First Avenue, Room 123, 10014, New York, NY

    Stephen J. Traub MD (Fellow),  Robert S. Hoffman &  Lewis S. Nelson

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  1. Stephen J. Traub MD
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  2. Robert S. Hoffman
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  3. Lewis S. Nelson
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Traub, S.J., Hoffman, R.S. & Nelson, L.S. The “ecstasy” hangover: Hyponatremia due to 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine. J Urban Health 79, 549–555 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1093/jurban/79.4.549

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