Im****tant Message from Bluelight about the possible PMA death
In the wake of the tragic events surrounding the death of Annabel Catt, we
are reminded of the ever present dangers surrounding recreational drug
use.
Although tragic, these events are a timely reminder of the im****tance in
implementing and promoting as many harm reduction techniques, in regards
to
illicit drug use, as possible.
It is believed Ms Catt ingested Para-methoxy-amphetamine (PMA) in the
mistaken belief that it was 'Ecstasy', which is the often incorrect
vernacular term for 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). PMA is a
strong psychedelic stimulant with much smaller dosage rates than that of
MDMA. The ingestion of PMA can lead to muscle spasms, increased blood
temperature, increased blood pressure, increased body temperature,
increased
pulse rate and laboured breathing. If left untreated the consumption of
PMA
can ultimately lead to hyperthermia, convulsions, coma and death. Although
some of these reactions can also be attributed to the consumption of MDMA,
any reaction out of the ordinary should be addressed immediately by a
trained medical practitioner.
There are some simple steps that can be taken to minimise the risks
associated with the consumption of 'Ecstasy'. Obviously the easiest way to
minimise the chances of consuming PMA would be total abstinence from
'Ecstasy' itself. As this is often not an option for a lot of people, the
use of a reagent tester will return a result for PMA. The result seen with
a
variety of reagent testers are detailed below;
Mandelin - reagent will produce a change from green through to red or
reddish brown.
Marquis - reagent will produce some effervescence but no colour change.
Mecke - reagent will produce a lime/green colour.
If any of the reactions listed above occur, it may indicate that the
substance tested contains PMA and could be potentially fatal. It should be
noted, however, that if PMA is mixed with another substance that also
reacts
with the reagent, the reactions listed above may be obscured by a darker
reaction, like that seen with MDMA. Reagent testers are available online
at
http://www.enlighten.org.au/
, http://www.ez-test.com.au/
or can usually
be
found at tobacconists, head shops and some music stores.
Another simple measure in harm reduction is keeping an eye on your
friends.
If they start to display or complain about any of the aforementioned
effects, it is 'better to be safe than sorry' and seek immediate medical
attention. Please don't risk a life with a 'she'll be right' attitude in
the
hope that it will go away or through a misguided worry that you will get
in
trouble. Medical practitioners have no professional obligation to pass
information about drug use on to the police and will only notify police if
you are a danger to yourself or others. Please don't be selfish when
making
a decision about seeking medical attention, as your life or the life of
your
friend is worth more than a good night out.
We ask that you disseminate this e-mail as widely as possible to your
fellow
Bluelighters, non-Bluelighters and even non drug users as most people know
someone who partakes in the use of 'Ecstasy'. Please don't disregard and
delete this e-mail, as the life you save could be someone close to you.
Send
it on to all the people on your contact list as you could be saving their
life by doing so.
This e-mail is being sent out by members of the harm reduction website
Bluelight. It is being sent to provide as many individuals with
information
about PMA as possible in response to concerns there may be a batch of
'Ecstasy' that contains this substance. It is the hope of the authors that
further deaths and sickness can be avoided. The Bluelight website can be
accessed by visiting http://www.bluelight.ru/
but is currently down due to
server issues and is expected to return to normal operation shortly.
Kind regards,
Australian Drug Discussion Moderators
Bluelight
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this e-mail are those of the authors
alone. They do not represent the views or opinions of Bluelight.ru or its
staff, nor do they represent the views or opinions of any entity of, or
affiliated with, the Bluelight network.
Posted by johnboy on February 23, 2007 2:03 PM | Permalink
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