Department of Health

High-dose ecstasy tablets in hot conditions

Tablets with unexpectedly high dosage of MDMA – including a yellow ‘SpongeBob’ pill – may be circulating in Victoria

MDMA (‘ecstasy’) is an empathogen stimulant with effects including euphoria and increased sociability, but also increased body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure.

Recent testing of a ‘SpongeBob’ pill (pictured) in Victoria found the pill contained an unexpectedly high dosage of MDMA. The tablet is yellow in colour with white and orange flecks.

Image of an ecstasy tablet

Using MDMA in hot conditions will increase the risk of life-threatening hyperthermia

Consuming MDMA increases your core body temperature. A larger dose can be enough to cause hyperthermia, meaning your body is too hot to function normally.

Hot, crowded and humid environments increase the risk of severe hyperthermia and can make your ‘normal’ MDMA dose hazardous. Physical exertion makes the body even hotter.

Using other substances – especially stimulants like cocaine or amphetamines – further increases the chance of hyperthermia or other unpredictable or toxic effects.

Know the signs – and don’t wait to get help

Signs of drug-related hyperthermia include feeling uncomfortably hot, nausea and vomiting, excessive thirst, confusion, agitation, muscle spasms, seizures or losing consciousness. Even one sign is reason to get help.

If you experience any unusual or unexpected effects, or notice someone appearing confused or unwell, seek urgent medical attention by calling Triple Zero (000) or finding the First Aid Service if you’re at a festival. Don’t delay seeking help – getting help early can be the difference between life and death.

Reduce the risk of harm

All alcohol and other drug use comes with risk, so:

  • If you can, access a pill testing serviceExternal Link to get free, confidential, anonymous testing and health advice
  • Start low and go slow with dosing. If consuming any other substance or redosing, wait until peak effects have passed – you shouldn't need to take as much to maintain the same effect
  • Stay hydrated by sipping water (not alcohol) slowly, but don’t drink too much
  • Find a cool or shady spot to take breaks from dancing
  • Make sure you’re in a safe environment with people you trust
  • Remember, even ‘pure’ drugs can produce serious side effects and death. Get the facts at Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Drug FactsExternal Link . Always seek information about your medications before mixing with other drugs.

Contact Harm Reduction Victoria’s DanceWize team for anonymous support and education from peers. Talk to DanceWize volunteers by email at info@dancewize.org.au.

If you or someone you know needs help with alcohol or drug use, call DirectLine on 1800 888 236 or visit DirectLineExternal Link for information and support to access treatment.

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High-dose ecstasy in hot conditions
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Reviewed 09 March 2025

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