Police Warning Over Ecstasy Effects
Police and health officials have issued a warning about the dangers of ecstasy after some young people who took the drug in capsules containing crystals or in tablets fell ill.
They warned that people could be risking their health by taking the drug.
Over the last week there have been a number of reports of young people experiencing "significant adverse effects'' from consuming capsules containing ecstasy crystals, known as MDMA.
Police Scotland, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde and NHS Lanarkshire warned about the dangers in a joint statement.
Detective Inspector Michael Miller, Police Scotland's national drug co-ordinator, said: "Any drug can be dangerous and MDMA in crystalline form is likely to be far more concentrated.
"These incidents highlight the dangers of taking MDMA in both its crystalline and pill form. These drugs are potent and you are putting your health at risk if you take ecstasy.
"I cannot emphasise enough that consuming MDMA with alcohol or any other drug increases the risks significantly.
"The festival season has now started, ecstasy and other drugs will be in circulation with some people trying them for the first time.
"The police message is clear - taking any illicit drug puts your health in danger and if you are found with illegal drugs you will be reported to the procurator fiscal and may be arrested. Avoid drugs, keep safe and enjoy the festival experience.''
Health experts urged people to seek medical help if they feel unwell after taking such substances.
Dr Richard Stevenson, consultant in emergency medicine at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, added: "The inherent dangers associated with taking recreational drugs should not be underestimated.
"Anyone who feels unwell or knows anyone who appears unwell after taking these substances should seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
"A description or if possible the substance/tablet taken brought with the patient to the department to assist in treatment would also be helpful.''
Dr Adam Brodie, NHS Lanarkshire clinical director for addictions, said: "There are considerable health risks associated with ecstasy as it has been linked to liver, kidney and heart problems.''
He added: "Tablets can be cut with a variety of substances and capsules, and may be sold as MDMA when in fact they are nothing of the sort, and may be more dangerous.
"Users should also be aware that should they develop symptoms, the onset of which can be very rapid, such as severe confusion, fitting and unconsciousness, rapid heartbeat with chest pain and very high temperatures, they should seek medical advice immediately.''