Highlights
- •Use of psychedelic drugs, including 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; aka “Ecstasy” or “Molly”) is increasing as emerging research suggests they may be effective treatments for mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and addiction
- •Hyponatremia is a rare adverse effect of MDMA use.
- •Hyponatremia may have serious complications if not treated quickly and appropriately. Treatment differs depending on cause, symptoms, and severity.
Abstract
Hyponatremia is a common, potentially serious problem encountered in primary, acute,
and critical care settings. Proper treatment requires an understanding of the multiple
possible causes of hyponatremia. This case report presents an unusual cause of hyponatremia—3,4
methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; “Ecstasy” or “Molly”) use. With encouraging research
emerging on the use of psychedelic drugs to treat depression, anxiety, posttraumatic
stress disorder, and addiction, nurse practitioners should increase their knowledge
about the evolution of MDMA from a recreational drug to a potential medicine for the
care of people with serious and persistent mental health concerns.
Keywords
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Biography
Carolina Dorsen, PhD, FNP-BC, is an associate professor and associate dean, Rutgers University School of Nursing, Newark, NJ, and can be contacted at [email protected]
Biography
Andrew Penn, MS, PMHNP-Bc, is an associate professor of Community Health Systems University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing.
Biography
Natasha Carew, DNP, ACNP-BC, is an assistant professor at Rutgers University School of Nursing, Newark, NJ.
Biography
Madeleine Lloyd, PhD, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, is affiliated with New York University Langone Health, New York, NY.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 19, 2022
Footnotes
In compliance with standard ethical guidelines, the authors report no relationships with business or industry that would pose a conflict of interest.
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
