Chemical Profile and Toxicological Features of Ecstasy Tablets Seized in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Chemical Profile and Toxicological Features of Ecstasy Tablets Seized in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Ecstasy is a street name originally designated for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Pharmacologically it displays effects related to amphetamine-type drugs and a set of distinctive effects like restlessness, well-being, and others effects. Ecstasy tablets have a large variety of symbols and colors with an extremely variable content. In addition to MDMA, other psychoactive compounds may be present like LSD, amphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and others. The goal of this paper is to analyze ecstasy tablets seized in Rio de Janeiro, studying their MDMA contents variations and the presence of other psychoactive substances. We collected 58 batches of samples seized by Rio de Janeiro State Police that were analyzed by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry to determine the main psychoactive compounds presents in these tablets.