HSE issues drug trend update ahead of festival season

1 in 4 ecstasy pills tested by the HSE in 2024 had over 200 mg of MDMA - more than double a typical adult dose

HSE reminds the public that it is safer not to use drugs at all and there is always risk

Ahead of the main events starting for the summer, the HSE is warning people to be aware that there are new types of drugs now in Ireland that pose significantly higher risks. New types of ketamine*, known as ketamine analogues or designer drugs appearing in Ireland, and are a cause of concern.

Ketamine is a drug that can make you feel disconnected from your body and surroundings. It can cause feelings of detachment and hallucinations which could create extra risks at festivals. These new types of drugs pose significantly higher risks especially if combined with other drugs. These substances are designed to mimic ketamine but the effects can be much stronger and unpredictable.  

Crucially, you can’t tell what’s in a powder just by looking at it, and even a small amount could have serious health effects.

HSE laboratory testing has also shown that high-strength MDMA pills, powders, and crystals are now in circulation, increasing the risk of getting very sick including accidental overdose by taking too much too soon. A higher dose means a higher risk, especially when individuals don’t realise how potent a product may be. One pill doesn’t necessarily equal one dose, and powders are not a safer option, as it's difficult to know how much you're actually taking.

1 in 4 ecstasy pills tested by the HSE in 2024 had over 200 mg of MDMA - more than double a typical adult dose.

HSE Testing Results – MDMA strength in pills

Year Lowest amount found Highest amount found

• 2022 50 mg 235 mg
• 2023 63 mg 246 mg
• 2024 139 mg 267 mg

Speaking on the latest drug trends, HSE National Clinical Lead for Addiction Services, Professor Eamon Keenan said; “Our core message is that it is safer not to use drugs at all, and there is always personal risk for people who do use drugs. Ahead of large events starting this summer, we urge people to look at our information and stay informed on the current drug market. It is a concerning time as risks are increasing as a result of drug market changes, with new drugs starting to appear across European markets which can have unpredictable effects. We remind people to be aware of the signs of an emergency and to not delay getting help for themselves or others.’’

The HSE continues its efforts to monitor the market through local and European collaboration to help build monitoring and early warning structures.

Nicki Killeen, HSE Emerging Drug Trends Project Lead, Addiction added; “We are aware from delivering last year’s Safer Nightlife Programme and analysing substances at events, that MDMA is increasing in potency, meaning that one pill may contain more than the average adult dose which increases the risks for people. We also identified a pattern of people mixing MDMA powder in drinks leading to drug emergencies. Our main concern for festivals at present is the potency of drugs and how people are using multiple drugs together which can interact negatively with each other. We have early signs of new trends such as new versions of ketamine presenting on the drug market which could increase negative mental health reactions which could be more complex to manage in nightlife or festival spaces. With more frequent use of ketamine now occurring across nightlife, we want to raise awareness of possible long term implications on people’s bladder and  mental health, alongside our concerns on possible new versions presenting.  We continue to monitor the market for other trends, which are occurring in the UK and across Europe such as stimulant drugs known as cathinones",

The HSE reminds the public that it is safer not to use drugs at all and there is always risk. These risks can be based on the content and potency of drugs, how they are taken as well as personal factors such as physical and mental health. The HSE reminds the public to be informed of the current drug market trends and to consider steps that can help them minimise the harms to their health if they choose to use drugs.

To create awareness, Drugs.ie has published market trends information about MDMA pills, powders and crystals and ketamine, together with harm reduction advice and what to do in a drug emergency.

www.drugs.ie/hse_mdma_update_may_2025

www.drugs.ie/hse_ketamine_update_2025

The HSE advises festival attendees to:

• Know the signs of a club drug emergency: a club drug emergency can start as a high temperature, headache or migraine, general feeling unwell, confusion, anxiety,  pains in arms, legs/shins. These can be very early signs of concern.
• Drugs with psychedelic effects or new types of drugs can lead to mental health reactions which can also be drug emergencies, but present differently to other drugs such as severe confusion, paranoia, seeing or hearing things that are not there or being a risk to themselves or others.
• Avoid using more than one drug at a time; this includes mixing drugs with alcohol and prescription medication such as anti-depressants. MDMA can interact dangerously with some anti-depressant medication that works on serotonin levels.
• Be in the know before you go: there is extra risk at this time. Drugs may be higher strength than you think, making it easier to take more than your body can handle. Don’t assume one pill equals one dose. This could be too much for your body to handle.
• Stay with people you trust and ensure no one is left alone. Be a good bystander and support others. Tell staff if you think a friend is missing.
• Keep cool and stay hydrated but don’t drink over a pint of water an hour. Take breaks from dancing, check in with yourself and others.
• Start low and go very slow-take a small test dose. Pace yourself by taking a small amount and leaving time between use, which can help you identify how you are reacting to the substance. If you don’t react as expected, avoid taking more.
• If in doubt, get it checked out. Chat with medics on site at events if you are concerned about a drug reaction.
• Don’t delay getting medical help if you are concerned about a reaction: Medics are your mates, and your wellbeing is the main priority.

See drugs.ie and on social for updates and further information. 
* Examples of new types of ketamine include Methoxetamine (MXE), Fluorodeschloroketamine (2-FDCK) and Deschloroketamine (DCK)