Retinal haemorrhage caused by “ecstasy”

Editor,—“Ecstasy” (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)) is an amphetamine derivative classified as a class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. It is a recreational drug and can be bought under a variety of names (XTC, Adam, E, yellow burger, etc). The drug is a white powder and comes in coloured tablets or capsules. Usual doses are from 30 to 150 mg. A patient is described who developed retinal haemorrhage after taking one ecstasy capsule. A 22 year old white woman took an ecstasy capsule while sitting down in a night club. After 30 minutes she felt the effects of the ecstasy. During this time she had sat at a table and had not exerted …