Last Updated: July 23, 2019

By: Rachel Clark, DanceSafe Intern

A red, rectangular pill with a bull stamped on one side and the words “Red Bull” stamped on the other, separated by a score line, was sold in Dallas, TX as MDMA but actually contained N-Ethylpentylone. The sample was sourced in Houston, TX and sold in Dallas, TX. 

The sample reacted orange/yellow with the Marquis reagent, orange/yellow with the Mecke reagent, and a very slight color change [no color specified] with the Mandelin reagent. 

N-Ethylpentylone, otherwise known as ephylone, is a designer drug of the synthetic cathinone (“bath salts”) class. High doses of N-Ethylpentylone (over approximately 80mg) may potentially be fatal, and are thought to be very toxic – N-Ethylpentylone has been implicated in over 150 deaths since 2014. It is known for being less empathogenic than other synthetic cathinones such as methylone, and significantly more stimulating. Because of this, it may increase heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature to dangerous levels. Additionally, as a serotonin releasing agent, N-Ethylpentylone poses a particular danger when combined with other drugs with similar mechanisms (such as MDMA-like drugs).

We urge our community to keep in mind that drug markets are expansive and that this adulterated MDMA pill may appear in places other than its source and submission location. Using a reagent test kit can help provide a first line of defense as a presumptive (and not affirmative) process. Additionally, samples may be sent in to www.ecstasydata.org for in-depth laboratory testing. Test before you ingest to avoid taking misrepresented substances, and so you can adjust your intention, set, and setting appropriately to minimize risks. You can purchase your DanceSafe test kit here.

The purpose of #TestIt Alerts is to alert the public to misrepresented substances circulating in their region. We neither condemn nor condone drug use, but rather want people to be aware of what they are ingesting so they can take steps to minimize risks.

Since 1998, DanceSafe has been keeping the electronic music and nightlife communities safe. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we provide free harm reduction services at music festivals and nightlife events across the nation. All proceeds from the sales of our drug checking kits go back into the organization so we can continue to provide our services to our communities for free. By purchasing a kit, you are not only helping keep you and your friends safe, you are also contributing to the harm reduction movement. Thank you for your support!