Heart & lung : the journal of critical careDec 31, 2013

Full recovery after severe serotonin syndrome, muscle breakdown, organ failure, and blood clotting problems caused by MDMA

Psychedelic Science Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Apr 5, 2026

Abstract

A young Asian-American male experienced severe rhabdomyolysis with a CK level of 130,350 U/L and a recorded temperature of 108.9 °F (42.7 °C) after MDMA ingestion.

MDMA is associated with serious adverse effects, including serotonin syndrome and sudden death.
Individuals of Asian descent may have a higher predisposition to severe reactions from MDMA.
The patient developed multiple organ failure and severe serotonin syndrome after taking MDMA.
Supportive care, including ventilatory support and hemodialysis, was crucial for the patient's recovery.
The patient made a full recovery within 3 weeks following aggressive supportive care.

Simplified

3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), popularly known as "ecstasy" is a synthetic, psychoactive drug used recreationally for its euphoric and "energy increasing" effects. MDMA has been linked to several severe adverse effects including the development of serotonin syndrome and sudden death. Individuals of Asian descent have been shown to have a predisposition for these severe adverse effects. We present a case of a young Asian-American male who following MDMA ingestion presented with severe rhabdomyolysis (CK 130,350 U/L), multiple organ failure and severe serotonin syndrome with one of the highest recorded temperatures '108.9 °F (42.7 °C)' in a survivor of severe serotonin syndrome. The patient initially received supportive care including ventilatory support; he eventually needed hemodialysis, but went on to make a full recovery within 3 weeks. This case shows and emphasizes the importance of 'aggressive' supportive care on patient prognosis particularly for patients on the extreme end of the serotonin syndrome.

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Full recovery after severe serotonin syndrome, muscle breakdown, organ failure, and blood clotting problems caused by MDMA

Abstract

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