Side-effects of party drugs

There is no way to predict how a party drug, or a combination of party drugs, will affect you or your friends. Remember that the effects of party drugs can vary greatly due to how you are feeling emotionally, where you are and who you are with. Taking drugs when you feel depressed or anxious can make you feel much worse.

Physical fitness and weight also alter the impacts of drugs. Combining party drugs with alcohol, prescribed drugs or another party drug can result in unexpected reactions.
Watch out for heat exhaustion or overheating in your friends. Symptoms include dizziness, feeling sick, sudden tiredness and headaches or cramps.
If you or a friend is feeling anxious, move away from lights, music and crowds and find a quiet place to chat and calm down.
If you see any of the following symptoms in your friends, get medical help:

Cocaine – confusion and dizziness, combined with a dry throat and/or erratic breathing

Ketamine – temporary paralysis, nausea, vomiting, or slurring of speech

Speed – collapse

Ecstasy – hyperventilation, overheating and unconsciousness

Poppers – poisonous if swallowed, can cause fainting and collapse

GHB – overdose symptoms are convulsions, coma and inability to breathe.