Embalming Fluid

Embalming fluid is a compound of formaldehyde, methanol, ethanol and other solvents. The percentage of formaldehyde found in embalming fluid ranges anywhere from 5 to 29 percent. The percentage of ethyl alcohol, the psychoactive ingredient found in alcoholic beverage, varies anywhere from 9 to 56 percent. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, it is common for marijuana to be laced with PCP and/or embalming fluid, both of which produce a hallucinogenic effect. Cigarettes soaked with embalming fluid trend to burn slower, thereby increasing the chance for a prolonged high.

Embalming fluid is usually found in morgues and funeral homes, however, the fluid also can be purchased directly from chemical companies in person or from the Internet. Persons coming in contact with embalming fluid should exercise extreme caution, since exposure can cause serious health issues. Containers should not be opened and its contents should not be inhaled or applied to the skin.

Effects from exposure to embalming fluid include: bronchitis, body tissue destruction, brain damage, lung damage, impaired coordination, and inflammation and sores in the throat, nose, and esophagus. IT IS EXTREMELY CARCINOGENIC.

Short-term effects: Anger and frustration, depression, hallucinations and delusions, headache, impaired vision and coordination, increase in women’s sexual appetites, loss of consciousness, memory loss, paranoia, physical violence, sleepiness, and vomiting.

Long-term effects: Brain damage, bronchitis, coma, convulsions. Coughing, destruction of muscle tissue, fever, heart attack, high blood pressure, inflammation of the throat, nose and esophagus, kidney damage, lung damage, maturation process cessation, pneumonia, and spinal cord destruction.

Street terms: Amp, Clickem, Crazy Eddie, Drank, Fry, Fry Sweet, Ill, Illy, Milk, Purple Rain, Wack, Water-Water, Wet, Wet-Wet, Wetdaddy.

Source: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Newark Division Intelligence Group

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Everclear (Cocaine; GHB)

Cocaine

Cocaine is a highly potent stimulant that is considered to be one of the greatest drug threats to the world because of the violence associated with trafficking and use, the physical and psychological effects associated with its use, and the costs to society as a whole.

Wholesale cocaine traffickers purchase cocaine from importers and regional distributors usually in kilogram or multi-kilogram allotments. This is generally the manner in which cocaine is shipped from Colombia or other cocaine producing countries to the United States and other consuming countries. Once the cocaine reaches its "consuming country," other wholesalers package the powder cocaine into retail quantities (ounces or grams) or convert the powdered cocaine into crack for retail sales.

There is great risk whether cocaine is ingested by inhalation (snorting), injection, or smoking. It appears that compulsive cocaine use may develop even more rapidly if the substance is smoked rather than snorted. Smoking allows extremely high doses of cocaine to reach the brain very quickly and brings an intense and immediate high. The injecting drug user is at risk for transmitting or acquiring HIV infection/AIDS if needles or other injection equipment are shared.

EFFECTS OF USE:

MODERATE DOSE: disturbances in heart rhythm, increased heart and respiratory rates, elevated blood pressure, dilated pupils, decreased appetite, excessive activity, talkativeness, irritability, argumentative behavior, nervousness or agitation.

LARGE DOSE: loss of coordination, collapse, perspiration, blurred vision, dizziness, feeling of restlessness, anxiety, delusions, heart attacks, chest pain, respiratory failure, strokes, seizures and headaches, abdominal pain, nausea, paranoia.

SYMPTOMS OF OVERDOSE: increase in body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions

STREET TERMS: coke, snow, nose candy, flake, blow, big C, lady, snowbirds, white

GHB & GHB Analogs

1 2

GHB (Gama Hydroxybutyric Acid) is a synthetic depressant produced in clandestine labs. While available as a prescription for sleep disorders in some other countries GHB was banned (in the U.S.) by the FDA in 1990 because of the dangers associated with its use. However, on July 17th, 2002, GHB was approved for treatment of a rare form of narcolepsy. Most of the GHB used in the U.S. is illegally manufactured within its borders. Like Rohypnol, GHB and its analogs are considered "date rape" drugs because they can be mixed with liquids (even water) and a victim wouldn't notice by smelling or looking at it. GHB, by itself, has a soapy or salty taste--but when mixed in a drink it may be difficult to detect. Other products such as GBL and 1,4 butanediol (BD) are appearing in the illegal market as GHB substitutes. These analogs are just as dangerous and have similar effects on the body. GHB can be made from ingredients such as GBL (gamma-butyrolactone), a solvent commonly used as a paint stripper, or butanediol (1,4-butanediol), a chemical used in the production of plastics and adhesives. Both GBL and butanediol are metabolized into GHB in the body. GHB, GBL, and butanediol (BD) are difficult to trace because they quickly leave the body and may be difficult to detect in emergency rooms and other treatment facilities. The FDA has issued warnings for both GBL and 1,4-butanediol, stating that the drugs have a potential for abuse and are a public health danger. GHB and it's analogs are known as "G," "liquid x","caps," "scoop," "goop," "georgia home boy," and "grievous bodily harm."

GHB is a clear odorless liquid (usually mixed with alcohol) or a white powder (usually made into tablets or capsules.) GHB is snorted, smoked, or mixed into drinks. The most commonly abused form is the liquid. On the street, it is usually sold as a liquid by the dose (a capful from a bottle or drops). In some cities, GHB is put into water guns, and users buy it by the squirt. In other instances, candy, such as a lollipop, is dipped in GHB and sold. Source: SAMHSA/CSAT, "GHB: A Club Drug to Watch," Substance Abuse Treatment Advisory, Nov. 2002 EFFECTS OF USE: The effects of GHB vary each time a person uses it and it affects each person differently. Initial effects include euphoria and relaxation. Within 15 minutes nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, visual disturbances, respiratory distress, amnesia, seizures, and coma are possible. It is difficult to predict a person's reaction to GHB-- because GHB is produced in clandestine labs, the purity and strength of doses vary. Coma, poisoning and death resulting from ingestion of GHB have been well documented. As of November 2000, DEA documented 71 GHB-related deaths. Coma and seizures can occur following abuse of GHB and, when combined with methamphetamine, there appears to be an increased risk of seizure. Combining use with other drugs such as alcohol can result in nausea and difficulty breathing. GHB may also produce withdrawal effects, including insomnia, anxiety, tremors, and sweating. Because of concern about Rohypnol, GHB, and other similarly abused sedative-hypnotics, Congress passed the "Drug-Induced Rape Prevention and Punishment Act of 1996" in October 1996. This legislation increased Federal penalties for use of any controlled substance to aid in sexual assault. Source: "Rohypnol and GHB," NIDA InfoFacts, #13556

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Eve (MDMA)

MDMA abuse and the trafficking of MDMA is on the rise, posing serious social concerns. Once confined to major metropolitan areas, MDMA trafficking has now expanded to smaller communities. Teenagers and young adults continue to be the primary targets of sophisticated crime syndicates who are supplying distribution groups with ever-increasing amounts of MDMA tablets. As the trend to consume MDMA in tandem with alcohol and other drugs continues, the harmful effects of the drug will increase exponentially.

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine), also referred to as Ecstasy, XTC, Adam, and Essence, is a illegally manufactured variation of mescaline and amphetamine. It is considered a designer drug---a substance on the drug market that is a chemical analogue or variation of another psychoactive drug.

MDMA is marketed as a feel good drug. Devotees say it produces profoundly positive feelings, empathy for others, elimination of anxiety, and extreme relaxation--hence the nickname "hug drug," or "love drug." MDMA is also said to suppress the need to eat, drink, or sleep, enabling club scene users to endure all-night and sometimes two, or three-day parties.

MDMA is taken orally, usually in tablet or capsule form. MDMA tablets are often "stamped" with icons or logos intended to appeal to a young audience. Its effects last approximately four to six hours.

Tablets sold as Ecstasy are not always pure MDMA. As demand for Ecstasy has increased, so has the appearance of Ecstasy "fakes" often containing other substances such as amphetamine, caffeine, codeine, DXM, ephedra/ephedrine, ketamine, MDA, methamphetamine, and PCP. When used alone, MDMA is dangerous. It is even more dangerous when used in combination with other substances, as the physical and psychological effects are difficult to determine or predict.

SHORT TERM EFFECTS: increased heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature; jaw and teeth clenching/muscle tension, hypertension, dehydration, chills and/or sweating, nausea, blurred vision, faintness, dizziness, confusion, insomnia, and paranoia.

MEDICAL COMPLICATIONS:

LARGE DOSE: muscle breakdown, hyperthermia, kidney failure and cardiovascular system failure.

LONG TERM USE: depression, sleep disorders, paranoia, drug craving, persistent elevation of anxiety, liver damage, brain damage, paralysis, and possible others pending research.

Domestically, the DEA seized 196 MDMA tablets in 1993 and more than 3 million tablets in 2000. The amount of seizures made by Customs has increased from 400,000 in FY 1997 to 7.2 million in FY 2001.
Source: DEA, U.S. Customs Service


In 2001, MDMA use among young people jumped an additional 20 percent. Since 1999, teen MDMA use increased by 71 percent. More than 12 percent of teens report trying MDMA at least once in their lives---an increase from 10% in 2000 (a year-to-year increase of 20 percent), 7 percent in 1999 (a 71 percent increase to date) and 5 percent in 1995---an increase of 140 percent from 1995 to 2001.
Source: 2001 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study

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Essence (MDMA)

MDMA abuse and the trafficking of MDMA is on the rise, posing serious social concerns. Once confined to major metropolitan areas, MDMA trafficking has now expanded to smaller communities. Teenagers and young adults continue to be the primary targets of sophisticated crime syndicates who are supplying distribution groups with ever-increasing amounts of MDMA tablets. As the trend to consume MDMA in tandem with alcohol and other drugs continues, the harmful effects of the drug will increase exponentially.

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine), also referred to as Ecstasy, XTC, Adam, and Essence, is a illegally manufactured variation of mescaline and amphetamine. It is considered a designer drug---a substance on the drug market that is a chemical analogue or variation of another psychoactive drug.

MDMA is marketed as a feel good drug. Devotees say it produces profoundly positive feelings, empathy for others, elimination of anxiety, and extreme relaxation--hence the nickname "hug drug," or "love drug." MDMA is also said to suppress the need to eat, drink, or sleep, enabling club scene users to endure all-night and sometimes two, or three-day parties.

MDMA is taken orally, usually in tablet or capsule form. MDMA tablets are often "stamped" with icons or logos intended to appeal to a young audience. Its effects last approximately four to six hours.

Tablets sold as Ecstasy are not always pure MDMA. As demand for Ecstasy has increased, so has the appearance of Ecstasy "fakes" often containing other substances such as amphetamine, caffeine, codeine, DXM, ephedra/ephedrine, ketamine, MDA, methamphetamine, and PCP. When used alone, MDMA is dangerous. It is even more dangerous when used in combination with other substances, as the physical and psychological effects are difficult to determine or predict.

SHORT TERM EFFECTS: increased heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature; jaw and teeth clenching/muscle tension, hypertension, dehydration, chills and/or sweating, nausea, blurred vision, faintness, dizziness, confusion, insomnia, and paranoia.

MEDICAL COMPLICATIONS:

LARGE DOSE: muscle breakdown, hyperthermia, kidney failure and cardiovascular system failure.

LONG TERM USE: depression, sleep disorders, paranoia, drug craving, persistent elevation of anxiety, liver damage, brain damage, paralysis, and possible others pending research.

Domestically, the DEA seized 196 MDMA tablets in 1993 and more than 3 million tablets in 2000. The amount of seizures made by Customs has increased from 400,000 in FY 1997 to 7.2 million in FY 2001.
Source: DEA, U.S. Customs Service


In 2001, MDMA use among young people jumped an additional 20 percent. Since 1999, teen MDMA use increased by 71 percent. More than 12 percent of teens report trying MDMA at least once in their lives---an increase from 10% in 2000 (a year-to-year increase of 20 percent), 7 percent in 1999 (a 71 percent increase to date) and 5 percent in 1995---an increase of 140 percent from 1995 to 2001.
Source: 2001 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study

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Ephedrine

Dietary supplements are marketed as “performance enhancers,” “energy boosters,” “fat burners,” “street drug alternatives,” or “legal highs” on the internet, television, and in nutrition stores. With the increased attention to Ephedra, which was recently banned by the FDA, other products are quickly gaining attention. These new products, promoted as safe, ephedra-free supplements, are considered to be just as risky as Ephedra-based supplements. There are two reasons they are dangerous: 1) the supplements contain high levels of stimulants often in combination with caffeine 2) the makers of the supplements are not required to list the quantity or amount of the stimulants that are in their products.

WHAT IS A DIETARY SUPPLEMENT?

Congress defined the term "dietary supplement" in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. A dietary supplement is a product taken by mouth that contains a "dietary ingredient" intended to supplement the diet. The "dietary ingredients" in these products may include: vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes, organ tissues, glandulars, and metabolites. Dietary supplements can also be extracts or concentrates, and may be found in many forms such as tablets, capsules, soft gels, gel caps, liquids, or powders. They can also be in other forms, such as a bar, but if they are, information on their label must not represent the product as a conventional food or a sole item of a meal or diet. Whatever their form may be, DSHEA places dietary supplements in a special category under the general umbrella of "foods," not drugs, and requires that every supplement be labeled a dietary supplement.
Source: FDA

EPHEDRA (aka epitonin, ma huang, sida cordifolia, sinica) is a herbal stimulant and a main ingredient in energy-enhancing and weight loss products. Several organizations, including the American Medical Association and Health Canada have recommended banning the sale of ephedra and many other organizations, including the National Collegiate Athletics Association, the International Olympic Committee, and the National Football League, prohibit the use of products containing ephedra.

China is a major manufacturer of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine and is one of the world’s primary exporters of both chemicals. China owns and operates ephedra farms, where ephedra grass (ephedra sinica) is cultivated under strict government control. The active alkaloids, pseudoephedrine and ephedrine, are chemically extracted from the plant material and processed for pharmaceutical purposes. These chemicals are then sold domestically and internationally. China and India are the major producers of these chemicals when extracted from the ephedra plant.
Source: DEA, March 2002

In low doses, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine act as nasal decongestants. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are ingredients in many over-the-counter asthma medications and are also key components in illegal methamphetamine manufacturing. In high doses, the stimulant effects of these drugs can raise blood pressure and many studies have linked ephedra use to heart attacks, strokes, seizures, psychosis, insomnia and heatstroke. Those people suffering from kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, glaucoma, heart disease or high blood pressure, thyroid disease, emphysema or chronic bronchitis, have an enlarged prostate, are pregnant or nursing, or are taking an MAOI are advised NOT to take products containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine.

A recent study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine and based on information collected by the American Association of Poison Control Centers concluded:

* In 2001, U.S. poison control centers reported 1,178 adverse reactions to ephedra dietary supplements.

* Products containing ephedra accounted for 64% of all adverse reactions to herbs in the United States, yet these products represented only 0.82% of herbal product sales. The relative risks for an adverse reaction in persons using ephedra compared with other herbs were extremely high. Even with an extreme high estimate for ephedra's share of the total herbal market (13.5%), the relative risks for adverse reactions among ephedra users were still 10- to 40-fold greater than the risk among users of other herbal products.

Source: "The Relative Safety of Ephedra Compared with Other Herbal Products," Stephen Bent, MD; Thomas N. Tiedt, PhD; Michelle C. Odden, BS; and Michael G. Shlipak, MD, MPH; Annals of Internal Medicine. 2003;138:000-000.

OTHER SUPPLEMENTS:

Bitter Orange: (citrus aurantium, aka green orange, neroli oil) contains a stimulant, synephrine that is similar to Ephedra. Given its similarities, experts believe Bitter Orange may have the same adverse effects as Ephedra.

Guarana: contains 2-3 times more caffeine than coffee, other caffeine-containing supplements include kola and mate.

Green Tea Extract: Contains less caffeine than coffee , contains antioxidants, is often combined with other caffeine-based supplements.

Usnic acid: Touted as a weight loss aid, FDA issued warning about it in 2001, possible liver damage associated with use.

Aristolochic acid: Touted as a weight loss aid, FDA issued warning about it in 2001, possible cancer and kidney damage associated with use.

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Ephedra

Dietary supplements are marketed as “performance enhancers,” “energy boosters,” “fat burners,” “street drug alternatives,” or “legal highs” on the internet, television, and in nutrition stores. With the increased attention to Ephedra, which was recently banned by the FDA, other products are quickly gaining attention. These new products, promoted as safe, ephedra-free supplements, are considered to be just as risky as Ephedra-based supplements. There are two reasons they are dangerous: 1) the supplements contain high levels of stimulants often in combination with caffeine 2) the makers of the supplements are not required to list the quantity or amount of the stimulants that are in their products.

WHAT IS A DIETARY SUPPLEMENT?

Congress defined the term "dietary supplement" in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. A dietary supplement is a product taken by mouth that contains a "dietary ingredient" intended to supplement the diet. The "dietary ingredients" in these products may include: vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes, organ tissues, glandulars, and metabolites. Dietary supplements can also be extracts or concentrates, and may be found in many forms such as tablets, capsules, soft gels, gel caps, liquids, or powders. They can also be in other forms, such as a bar, but if they are, information on their label must not represent the product as a conventional food or a sole item of a meal or diet. Whatever their form may be, DSHEA places dietary supplements in a special category under the general umbrella of "foods," not drugs, and requires that every supplement be labeled a dietary supplement.
Source: FDA

EPHEDRA (aka epitonin, ma huang, sida cordifolia, sinica) is a herbal stimulant and a main ingredient in energy-enhancing and weight loss products. Several organizations, including the American Medical Association and Health Canada have recommended banning the sale of ephedra and many other organizations, including the National Collegiate Athletics Association, the International Olympic Committee, and the National Football League, prohibit the use of products containing ephedra.

China is a major manufacturer of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine and is one of the world’s primary exporters of both chemicals. China owns and operates ephedra farms, where ephedra grass (ephedra sinica) is cultivated under strict government control. The active alkaloids, pseudoephedrine and ephedrine, are chemically extracted from the plant material and processed for pharmaceutical purposes. These chemicals are then sold domestically and internationally. China and India are the major producers of these chemicals when extracted from the ephedra plant.
Source: DEA, March 2002

In low doses, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine act as nasal decongestants. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are ingredients in many over-the-counter asthma medications and are also key components in illegal methamphetamine manufacturing. In high doses, the stimulant effects of these drugs can raise blood pressure and many studies have linked ephedra use to heart attacks, strokes, seizures, psychosis, insomnia and heatstroke. Those people suffering from kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, glaucoma, heart disease or high blood pressure, thyroid disease, emphysema or chronic bronchitis, have an enlarged prostate, are pregnant or nursing, or are taking an MAOI are advised NOT to take products containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine.

A recent study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine and based on information collected by the American Association of Poison Control Centers concluded:

* In 2001, U.S. poison control centers reported 1,178 adverse reactions to ephedra dietary supplements.

* Products containing ephedra accounted for 64% of all adverse reactions to herbs in the United States, yet these products represented only 0.82% of herbal product sales. The relative risks for an adverse reaction in persons using ephedra compared with other herbs were extremely high. Even with an extreme high estimate for ephedra's share of the total herbal market (13.5%), the relative risks for adverse reactions among ephedra users were still 10- to 40-fold greater than the risk among users of other herbal products.

Source: "The Relative Safety of Ephedra Compared with Other Herbal Products," Stephen Bent, MD; Thomas N. Tiedt, PhD; Michelle C. Odden, BS; and Michael G. Shlipak, MD, MPH; Annals of Internal Medicine. 2003;138:000-000.

OTHER SUPPLEMENTS:

Bitter Orange: (citrus aurantium, aka green orange, neroli oil) contains a stimulant, synephrine that is similar to Ephedra. Given its similarities, experts believe Bitter Orange may have the same adverse effects as Ephedra.

Guarana: contains 2-3 times more caffeine than coffee, other caffeine-containing supplements include kola and mate.

Green Tea Extract: Contains less caffeine than coffee , contains antioxidants, is often combined with other caffeine-based supplements.

Usnic acid: Touted as a weight loss aid, FDA issued warning about it in 2001, possible liver damage associated with use.

Aristolochic acid: Touted as a weight loss aid, FDA issued warning about it in 2001, possible cancer and kidney damage associated with use.

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Embalming Fluid

Embalming Fluid

Embalming fluid is a compound of formaldehyde, methanol, ethanol and other solvents. The percentage of formaldehyde found in embalming fluid ranges anywhere from 5 to 29 percent. The percentage of ethyl alcohol, the psychoactive ingredient found in alcoholic beverage, varies anywhere from 9 to 56 percent. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, it is common for marijuana to be laced with PCP and/or embalming fluid, both of which produce a hallucinogenic effect. Cigarettes soaked with embalming fluid trend to burn slower, thereby increasing the chance for a prolonged high.

Embalming fluid is usually found in morgues and funeral homes, however, the fluid also can be purchased directly from chemical companies in person or from the Internet. Persons coming in contact with embalming fluid should exercise extreme caution, since exposure can cause serious health issues. Containers should not be opened and its contents should not be inhaled or applied to the skin.

Effects from exposure to embalming fluid include: bronchitis, body tissue destruction, brain damage, lung damage, impaired coordination, and inflammation and sores in the throat, nose, and esophagus. IT IS EXTREMELY CARCINOGENIC.

Short-term effects: Anger and frustration, depression, hallucinations and delusions, headache, impaired vision and coordination, increase in women’s sexual appetites, loss of consciousness, memory loss, paranoia, physical violence, sleepiness, and vomiting.

Long-term effects: Brain damage, bronchitis, coma, convulsions. Coughing, destruction of muscle tissue, fever, heart attack, high blood pressure, inflammation of the throat, nose and esophagus, kidney damage, lung damage, maturation process cessation, pneumonia, and spinal cord destruction.

Street terms: Amp, Clickem, Crazy Eddie, Drank, Fry, Fry Sweet, Ill, Illy, Milk, Purple Rain, Wack, Water-Water, Wet, Wet-Wet, Wetdaddy.

Source: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Newark Division Intelligence Group

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Ecstasy (MDMA)

MDMA abuse and the trafficking of MDMA is on the rise, posing serious social concerns. Once confined to major metropolitan areas, MDMA trafficking has now expanded to smaller communities. Teenagers and young adults continue to be the primary targets of sophisticated crime syndicates who are supplying distribution groups with ever-increasing amounts of MDMA tablets. As the trend to consume MDMA in tandem with alcohol and other drugs continues, the harmful effects of the drug will increase exponentially.

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine), also referred to as Ecstasy, XTC, Adam, and Essence, is a illegally manufactured variation of mescaline and amphetamine. It is considered a designer drug---a substance on the drug market that is a chemical analogue or variation of another psychoactive drug.

MDMA is marketed as a feel good drug. Devotees say it produces profoundly positive feelings, empathy for others, elimination of anxiety, and extreme relaxation--hence the nickname "hug drug," or "love drug." MDMA is also said to suppress the need to eat, drink, or sleep, enabling club scene users to endure all-night and sometimes two, or three-day parties.

MDMA is taken orally, usually in tablet or capsule form. MDMA tablets are often "stamped" with icons or logos intended to appeal to a young audience. Its effects last approximately four to six hours.

Tablets sold as Ecstasy are not always pure MDMA. As demand for Ecstasy has increased, so has the appearance of Ecstasy "fakes" often containing other substances such as amphetamine, caffeine, codeine, DXM, ephedra/ephedrine, ketamine, MDA, methamphetamine, and PCP. When used alone, MDMA is dangerous. It is even more dangerous when used in combination with other substances, as the physical and psychological effects are difficult to determine or predict.

SHORT TERM EFFECTS: increased heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature; jaw and teeth clenching/muscle tension, hypertension, dehydration, chills and/or sweating, nausea, blurred vision, faintness, dizziness, confusion, insomnia, and paranoia.

MEDICAL COMPLICATIONS:

LARGE DOSE: muscle breakdown, hyperthermia, kidney failure and cardiovascular system failure.

LONG TERM USE: depression, sleep disorders, paranoia, drug craving, persistent elevation of anxiety, liver damage, brain damage, paralysis, and possible others pending research.

Domestically, the DEA seized 196 MDMA tablets in 1993 and more than 3 million tablets in 2000. The amount of seizures made by Customs has increased from 400,000 in FY 1997 to 7.2 million in FY 2001.
Source: DEA, U.S. Customs Service


In 2001, MDMA use among young people jumped an additional 20 percent. Since 1999, teen MDMA use increased by 71 percent. More than 12 percent of teens report trying MDMA at least once in their lives---an increase from 10% in 2000 (a year-to-year increase of 20 percent), 7 percent in 1999 (a 71 percent increase to date) and 5 percent in 1995---an increase of 140 percent from 1995 to 2001.
Source: 2001 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study

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E (Ecstasy)

MDMA abuse and the trafficking of MDMA is on the rise, posing serious social concerns. Once confined to major metropolitan areas, MDMA trafficking has now expanded to smaller communities. Teenagers and young adults continue to be the primary targets of sophisticated crime syndicates who are supplying distribution groups with ever-increasing amounts of MDMA tablets. As the trend to consume MDMA in tandem with alcohol and other drugs continues, the harmful effects of the drug will increase exponentially.

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine), also referred to as Ecstasy, XTC, Adam, and Essence, is a illegally manufactured variation of mescaline and amphetamine. It is considered a designer drug---a substance on the drug market that is a chemical analogue or variation of another psychoactive drug.

MDMA is marketed as a feel good drug. Devotees say it produces profoundly positive feelings, empathy for others, elimination of anxiety, and extreme relaxation--hence the nickname "hug drug," or "love drug." MDMA is also said to suppress the need to eat, drink, or sleep, enabling club scene users to endure all-night and sometimes two, or three-day parties.

MDMA is taken orally, usually in tablet or capsule form. MDMA tablets are often "stamped" with icons or logos intended to appeal to a young audience. Its effects last approximately four to six hours.

Tablets sold as Ecstasy are not always pure MDMA. As demand for Ecstasy has increased, so has the appearance of Ecstasy "fakes" often containing other substances such as amphetamine, caffeine, codeine, DXM, ephedra/ephedrine, ketamine, MDA, methamphetamine, and PCP. When used alone, MDMA is dangerous. It is even more dangerous when used in combination with other substances, as the physical and psychological effects are difficult to determine or predict.

SHORT TERM EFFECTS: increased heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature; jaw and teeth clenching/muscle tension, hypertension, dehydration, chills and/or sweating, nausea, blurred vision, faintness, dizziness, confusion, insomnia, and paranoia.

MEDICAL COMPLICATIONS:

LARGE DOSE: muscle breakdown, hyperthermia, kidney failure and cardiovascular system failure.

LONG TERM USE: depression, sleep disorders, paranoia, drug craving, persistent elevation of anxiety, liver damage, brain damage, paralysis, and possible others pending research.

Domestically, the DEA seized 196 MDMA tablets in 1993 and more than 3 million tablets in 2000. The amount of seizures made by Customs has increased from 400,000 in FY 1997 to 7.2 million in FY 2001.
Source: DEA, U.S. Customs Service


In 2001, MDMA use among young people jumped an additional 20 percent. Since 1999, teen MDMA use increased by 71 percent. More than 12 percent of teens report trying MDMA at least once in their lives---an increase from 10% in 2000 (a year-to-year increase of 20 percent), 7 percent in 1999 (a 71 percent increase to date) and 5 percent in 1995---an increase of 140 percent from 1995 to 2001.
Source: 2001 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study

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A & D

vitamin A, D, and E (topical)
Pronunciation: VYE ta min A, D, and E Brand: A & D, Aloe Grande, Lazer Creme, Vitamin A & D, Topical

What is the most important information I should know about vitamin A, D, and E topical?

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Call your doctor if your skin condition does not get better after using this medication regularly for 1 week. Contact your doctor at any time if your symptoms get worse.

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Call your doctor at once if you have swelling, redness, itching, pus, or other signs of infection. Tell your doctor if you feel any numbness or tingling while using vitamin A, D, and E topical.

•

Do not apply vitamin A, D, and E topical over large skin areas. Do not use the medicine to treat a deep cut, an animal bite, or a serious burn. Call your doctor for instructions on how to treat these more severe skin injuries.

•

Avoid applying other creams, lotions, ointments, or other medicated skin products to the same areas you treat with vitamin A, D, and E topical.

What is vitamin A, D, and E topical?

•

Vitamin A, D, and E topical is a skin protectant. It works by moisturizing and sealing the skin, and aids in skin healing.

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This medication is used to treat diaper rash, dry or chafed skin, and minor cuts or burns.

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Vitamin A, D, and E may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using vitamin A, D, and E topical?

•

Call your doctor at once if you have swelling, redness, itching, pus, or other signs of infection. Tell your doctor if you feel any numbness or tingling while using vitamin A, D, and E topical.

•

Before using vitamin A, D, and E topical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medicines or skin products, including soaps, oils, lotions, or creams.

How should I use vitamin A, D, and E topical?

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Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not use more of the medication or use it for longer than recommended.

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Keep the baby's diaper area as dry as possible. Change wet or soiled diapers immediately to keep wetness and bacteria from irritating the baby's skin. Always put on a new diaper when the baby first wakes up in the morning, and also just before putting the baby to bed each night.

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At each diaper changing, clean the baby's skin thoroughly with a disposable baby wipe or clean wet washcloth. Gently wipe inside the skin folds between the thighs and genitals. When cleaning the diaper area of a boy, gently clean under the scrotum and beneath the foreskin of the penis. When cleaning the diaper area of a girl, always wipe from front to back across the vagina.

•

Call your doctor if your skin condition does not get better after using this medication regularly for 1 week. Contact your doctor at any time if your symptoms get worse.

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Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

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It is unlikely that this medication would cause serious problems from an overdose. Do not apply vitamin A, D, and E topical over large skin areas. Call your doctor if you think you have used too much of the medicine.

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Call a poison control center if anyone accidentally swallows this medicine.

What should I avoid while using vitamin A, D, and E topical?

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Avoid applying other creams, lotions, ointments, or other medicated skin products to the same areas you treat with vitamin A, D, and E topical.

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Avoid excessive wetness of the skin areas you are treating. Keep clothing and diapers as dry as possible.

What are the possible side effects of vitamin A, D, and E topical?

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Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

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This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect vitamin A, D, and E topical?

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There may be other drugs that can affect vitamin A, D, and E topical. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

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Your pharmacist can provide more information about vitamin A, D, and E topical.

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