HSE MDMA update September 2025

It is safer not to use drugs at all, there are always risks based on personal factors, the drug and how the drug is taken.

If you do choose to use MDMA, consider the risks and steps that can help you reduce harms.

Be in the know on current MDMA trends:

Higher strength MDMA = higher risk of taking too much, too soon
One pill ≠ one dose - larger pills can contain more
Powder has the same risks as pills- it is hard to know how much you are taking
Avoid mixing MDMA powder into drinks – it can lead to taking too much too soon and a drug emergency
Pills that look the same may contain different amounts or other drugs

What’s in MDMA in Ireland?

Year on year, the HSE has recorded increases in MDMA purity. 2 in 5 pills tested by the HSE in 2024 had over 200 mg of MDMA- more than double a typical adult dose.

The MDMA analysed by the HSE in 2025 has varied from containing no MDMA to high doses.

Products can look the same and have different amounts of MDMA.This means that can person cannot guarantee how they will react or identify which product is high strength.

A significant amount of MDMA in circulation is now high strength including pills, powders and crystals. Because we are not reporting on contamination, this does not mean there is not a high risk at this time.

The HSE issued an alert at Electric Picnic 2025 after finding multiple high strength pills which can increase risks. One of the MDMA pills contained 312 milligrams of MDMA, which is over three times the average adult dose and the highest that we have a analysed in Ireland. It is important for people to be aware that multiple pills, powders and crystals in ciruclation now carry extra risk and not just products featured in alerts.

The HSE is also concerned about the strength of crystals and powders, and the risks associated with people adding these to drinks, which can lead to drug emergencies

HSE 'back of house' analysis

The HSE Safer Nightlife Programme is the only Irish project using drug sample results to inform harm reduction interventions. Find out how this works here.

The HSE Safer Nightlife Programme will be at DX festival on the 19th - 20th September.

Ecstasy / MDMA Harm Reduction Information

Be in the know and reduce the harms.

It is safer not to use at all and there are always risks.

If you choose to use, think:

Everyone can have a different reaction
How you react after taking MDMA depends on the dose, your mood, health, body size and whether you’ve eaten. Even experienced people can have panic attacks or become very unwell.

Start low and go very slow
Take a test dose, for example a quarter of a pill. Wait at least 2 hours before considering to take more. If you’re using powder/crystals, weigh your dose as accurately as possible. Some MDMA takes over two hours for the full effect.

Avoid putting powders and crystals in drinks

This increases the risk of over consumption and a drug emergency. Dab and wait.

Leave the mixing to the DJ
Avoid using MDMA with other drugs including alcohol. This increases your risk of harm. MDMA is a stimulant and taking other drugs can mask the effects. You could end up taking more, increasing your risk of overdose or other harms. Avoid mixing some anti-depressants.

Keep cool, sip water and stay hydrated but don’t drink over a pint of water an hour
MDMA can confuse your body temperature, make it rise quickly, and affect your ability to sweat. Take breaks from dancing and give your body a chance to cool down. Stay hydrated with water or isotonic drinks but don’t drink over a pint (500ml) in an hour.

MDMA ‘come down’
Some people will feel low, anxious, and depressed for several days after using. If this is affecting you, talk to a friend or visit drugs.ie for information. Avoid using again to improve your mood or help your ‘come down.’