30-05-2025
25pc of ecstasy pills tested by the HSE in 2024 had double the dose
The health service has found that 1 in 4 ecstasy pills tested by the HSE in 2024 had over 200 mg of MDMA - more than double a typical adult dose.
These types of pills increase the risk of getting very sick including accidental overdose by taking too much too soon.
The HSE warns that a higher dose means a higher risk, especially when the potency of the product is not clear.
It also emphasises that one pill doesn't necessarily equal one dose, and powders are not a safer option, as it's difficult to know how much you're actually taking.
HSE National Clinical Lead for Addiction Services, Professor Eamon Keenan, said: 'Our core message is that it is safer not to use drugs at all, and there is always personal risk for people who do use drugs.
"It is a concerning time as risks are increasing as a result of drug market changes, with new drugs starting to appear across European markets which can have unpredictable effects. We remind people to be aware of the signs of an emergency and to not delay getting help for themselves or others.''
Examples of new types of ketamine include Methoxetamine (MXE), Fluorodeschloroketamine (2-FDCK), Deschloroketamine (DCK), and Deschloro-N-ethyl-ketamine (O-PCE).
The HSE advised festival attendees to:
Know the signs of a club drug emergency: it can start as a high temperature, headache or migraine, general feeling unwell, confusion, anxiety, pains in arms, legs or shins. These can be very early signs of concern.
Avoid using more than one drug at a time; this includes mixing drugs with alcohol and prescription medication such as anti-depressants. MDMA can interact dangerously with some anti-depressant medication that works on serotonin levels.
Know the signs of mental health reactions to psychedelic or new types of drugs which can present as severe confusion, paranoia, seeing or hearing things that are not there or being a risk to themselves or others.
Keep cool and stay hydrated but don't drink over a pint of water an hour. Take breaks from dancing and check in with yourself and others.
Be a good bystander and support others. Tell staff if you think a friend is missing and don't delay getting medical help if you are concerned.
The health service also points out that it is important to "start low and go slow" with drug use.
This means pacing yourself by taking a small amount and leaving time between use. This can help you identify how you are reacting to the substance. If you don't react as expected, avoid taking more.
Nicki Killeen, HSE Emerging Drug Trends Project Lead on Addiction, added: 'Our main concern for festivals at present is the potency of drugs and how people are using multiple drugs together which can interact negatively with each other.
'We have early signs of new trends such as new versions of ketamine presenting on the drug market which could increase negative mental health reactions and could be more complex to manage in nightlife or festival spaces.
"With more frequent use of ketamine now occurring across nightlife, we want to raise awareness of possible long-term implications on people's bladder and mental health, alongside our concerns on possible new versions presenting.'
