DOC ISSUES PAMPHLET ON SAFE ECSTASY USE

Drug Unit Cop Fears False Sense Of Security

After ecstasy took another young victim last weekend, a Winnipeg doctor
says he is willing to risk controversy to save lives.

"As a professional, it's important to put the right information out there,"
said Dr. Gary Podolsky, owner of Skylark Medical Clinic at 264 Tache Ave.
"This is preventive medicine."

Podolsky said he put together a pamphlet on ecstasy because of the risks
associated with the use of the drug, popular with young adults.

The pamphlet explains how to stave off side-effects when using ecstasy.

"There's an audience of people out there who need this information," he said.

Ecstasy is a stimulant with mild hallucinogenic properties.

On Sunday, Winnipegger Melissa Panganiban died from a suspected overdose at
her 20th birthday party.

Three years ago, Becky Ducharme, 16, died from an ecstasy overdose.

Podolsky, specializing in sports and travel medicine, said he knows the
pamphlet might be viewed as an ecstasy "how-to."

"Bottom line, drugs are bad for everyone. I would like people to access the
proper care sooner rather than later. People can say whatever they want."

Det.-Sgt. Mark Pruden, Drug Unit, said there is nothing illegal about what
Podolsky is doing, although it might raise some eyebrows.

"If the medical community want to put something out like this, that's their
issue," he said. "It's definitely going to cause controversy because here's
a doctor talking about it honestly."

But Pruden said he is worried people might think the pamphlet's suggestions
will lower the risk of death from the drug.

"Is it going to give people a false sense of security? That would be my
only concern," he said.

Bill Pope, of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, said
people shouldn't be surprised at the pamphlet's subject.

"Physicians often produce pieces of information for their patients," he
said. "This is not like the young man at Kelvin (High School) writing about
how good ecstasy is."

Pope said the college hasn't received any complaints about Podolsky's pamphlet.

"If there were any, we'd have to look into it," he said.

HOW YOU CAN STAVE OFF SIDE-EFFECTS OF THE DRUG

Excerpts from Dr. Gary Podolsky's strategies for ecstasy users:

- - Replenish fluids and salt: 500ml/hr (dancing), or 250ml/hr (not).

- - Take breaks from dancing.

- - Remember the inaccuracies of drug labelling.

- - Know the signs and symptoms of toxicities. Even experienced emergency
doctors have trouble identifying drug overdoses when multiple drugs are
used. So if you start to feel strange or are not sure, stay with a friend
and get some help.

- - Have a buddy. This decreases the chances of having problems. If someone
is having a likely drug overdose, help protect their airway. They should be
on their side. Someone who knows first aid should direct this and someone
reliable should always stay with the person until help or an ambulance arrives.