RESUMO
This review focuses on 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, an illegal drug known as "ecstasy." Ecstasy was introduced in Brazil in 1994. Data are lacking on the epidemiology and usage pattern of the drug in Brazil. However, there is evidence that until now the use of ecstasy has been limited to middle-class or upper-middle-class youth, so that most people, including health care professionals, are unfamiliar with the drug. However, ecstasy may be becoming more popular in Brazil, following a pattern seen in North America and Europe. Possibly contributing to the drug's popularity is the fact that ecstasy is sold as a pill and is thus extremely easy to use. Ecstasy has a reputation for not being physically dangerous; however, there are many reports of adverse reactions associated with the drug. In addition, it is known that not all pills sold as ecstasy actually contain methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Since there is no quality control for the pills' contents, users never know exactly what they are taking. Thus, although users may perceive the effects of the drug as mostly positive, ecstasy is potentially dangerous. Primary and secondary interventions are needed to prevent the use of ecstasy and the occurrence of adverse reactions. To be effective, these measures must take into consideration the characteristics of the user population and the usage patterns. It is also essential to prepare health professionals for emergency medical interventions in cases of intoxication and complications resulting from the use of ecstasy
A presente revisão enfoca a 3-4 metilenodioximetanfetamina, droga ilegal conhecida como "êxtase". O êxtase foi introduzido no Brasil em 1994. Embora faltem dados sobre a epidemiologia e sobre os padrões de uso do êxtase no Brasil, há indicações de que o consumo seja, até o momento, restrito a jovens da classe alta ou média alta e desconhecido para a maioria da população, inclusive para profissionais da saúde. Contudo, é possível que ocorra uma popularização dessa droga no Brasil, seguindo a tendência norte-americana e europeia. A facilidade de consumo do êxtase em forma de pílulas pode ser um fator importante para sua popularização. O êxtase tem reputação de não apresentar perigo físico; contudo, há inúmeros relatos de reações adversas e mortes relacionadas à sua ingestão. Além disso, sabe-se que nem todos os comprimidos consumidos como êxtase necessariamente contém metilenodioximetanfetamina. Diante da ausência de controle farmacêutico, nenhum consumidor sabe exatamente o que está ingerindo. Assim, embora os efeitos do êxtase sejam percebidos como predominantemente positivos pelos usuários, a droga é potencialmente perigosa. Por essa razão, são necessárias intervenções de caráter primário e secundário para prevenir o uso de êxtase e a ocorrência de reações adversas. Para serem efetivas, tais ações devem levar em conta as características da população consumidora e seu padrão de consumo. Também é fundamental a capacitação de profissionais de saúde para intervenções médicas de emergência em casos de intoxicação e complicações resultantes do uso da droga.
Assuntos
N-Metil-3,4-Metilenodioxianfetamina/efeitos adversos , N-Metil-3,4-Metilenodioxianfetamina/história , BrasilRESUMO
This review focuses on 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, an illegal drug known as "ecstasy." Ecstasy was introduced in Brazil in 1994. Data are lacking on the epidemiology and usage pattern of the drug in Brazil. However, there is evidence that until now the use of ecstasy has been limited to middle-class or upper-middle-class youth, so that most people, including health care professionals, are unfamiliar with the drug. However, ecstasy may be becoming more popular in Brazil, following a pattern seen in North America and Europe. Possible contributing to the drug's popularity is the fact that ecstasy is sold as a pill and is thus extremely easy to use. Ecstasy has a reputation for not being physically dangerous; however, there are many reports of adverse reactions associated with the drug. In addition, it is known that not all pills sold as ecstasy actually contain methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Since there is no quality control for the pills' contents, users never know exactly what they are taking. Thus, although users may perceive the effects of the drug as mostly positive, ecstasy is potentially dangerous. Primary and secondary interventions are needed to prevent the use of ecstasy and the occurrence of adverse reactions. To be effective, these measures must take into consideration the characteristics of the user population and the usage patterns. It is also essential to prepare health professionals for emergency medical interventions in cases of intoxication and complications resulting from the use of ecstasy.