Báo Người Lao Động recently reported that Thong Nhat Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City) has received 2 emergency cases of stimulant poisoning. Among them, a young woman, T.N.N.Y (23 years old, living in Tan Phu District) fell into a coma after using “happy water” at a friend’s birthday party.
So what is “happy water” that some young people prefer to use? How harmful is it and what are the medical recommendations?
Cô gái cấp cứu tại Bệnh viện Thống Nhất sau khi sử dụng “nước vui” tại tiệc sinh nhật bạn
According to Dr. Hoang Ngoc Anh – Deputy Head of the Intensive Care and Toxicology Department at Thong Nhat Hospital – common stimulants that cause poisoning include ecstasy pills and laughing gas. Patient Y. was the first case of “happy water” poisoning that this hospital has received.
Through investigation, doctors identified the “happy water” used by this young woman as a type of stimulant similar to ecstasy. When using “happy water,” the user will be stimulated, affecting the nervous system leading to feelings of euphoria, talkativeness, and agitation.
Test results on the “happy water” used by the woman showed that it contains stimulant substances such as Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, and Ketamine.
Dr. Hoang Ngoc Anh advises that there is still no specific antidote or treatment for cases of stimulant poisoning. Patients will receive supportive care, symptom treatment… Severe cases may lead to respiratory failure, multi-organ damage, kidney failure, brain damage. Stimulant substances can also cause blood vessel constriction leading to sudden death.
At around 11 pm on February 27th, Y.’s group of 5 friends used a white liquid solution called “happy water” to mix with fruit wine. After drinking this type of water, the group started feeling happy, excited, euphoric, talking and laughing a lot…
However, after about 2 hours of use, Y. started vomiting and fell into a coma.