BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The number of new users of illicit substances has been growing steadily all over the world over the last few years. Marijuana and cocaine have been mentioned most often, but the last few years saw a marked increase in the number of users of other psychostimulants or hallucinogens, taken with the aim of intensifying social experiences. The aim of this article is to discuss the clinical presentation, the damaging effects and the potential interactions with anesthesia of the surgical patient who is a user of these illicit substances. CONTENTS: The article discusses the action mechanisms, the clinical presentation, the damaging effects and the potential repercussions observed during anesthesia in users of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), also known as Ecstasy. CONCLUSIONS: Anesthesiologists should be made aware of the clinical presentation and the damaging effects brought about by 3,4 - methylenedioxymethamphetamine (Ecstasy), as well as the potential interactions with anesthesia, since people who use these substances may find themselves in surgery many times, either due to an emergency situation or by choice.
COMPLICATIONS; PHARMACOLOGY
