ER visits from ecstasy jump 75 percent from 2004 to 2008

Of course, what is clearly missing from this story is that ecstasy pills often contain drugs other than MDMA. If all they have is the patient's word they took "ecstasy" without actually testing the pill, this rise in visits could also be accounted for by a rise in adulterated pills.

Medical emergencies related to the illicit drug Ecstasy increased 75 percent between 2004 and 2008, a new U.S. government reports finds.

Hospital emergency rooms treated 17,865 patients in 2008 for medical problems caused by Ecstasy, which can cause agitation, heat stroke and heart failure, according to the study released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In 2004, Ecstasy-related ER visits numbered 10,220.

The resurgence of Ecstasy use is cause for alarm that demands immediate attention and action, said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde in an agency news release.

More than two-thirds of these ER patients were between 18 and 29 years old, but a sizable number -- nearly 18 percent -- were from 12 to 17, the report said, noting Ecstasy use is increasing among teens.

Ecstasy -- also known as MDMA -- is often used at all-night parties called raves. Its reputation as a "club" or party drug belies the medical and mental dangers of even casual use, the report authors said.