Q: Out of the following, which electrolyte imbalance is the hallmark of MDMA (ecstasy) intoxication?

A) Hyponatremia
B) Hyperkalemia (due to hyperthermia)
C) Hypocalcemia
D) Hypernatremia
E) Hypokalemia


Answer:  A

MDMA  may induce mild to moderate and in some instances severe hyponatremia, causing life-threatening effects like seizures, cerebral edema leading to brain herniation. Hyponatremia should be treated with caution as in any other circumstances to avoid complications from rapid correction.