'Molly' Responsible for Concert Deaths, Hyperthermia Common with Drug

A purer form of ecstasy, commonly known as molly (MDMA), also short for molecule, has allegedly killed two people at a New York City dance festival Labor Day weekend and caused the event to end early.

It's believed that both individuals, 20-year-old Olivia Rotondo and 23-year-old Jeffery Russ, died after overdosing on the drug. When the incidents occurred, promoters shut down New York's multi-day Electric Zoo music festival as four others also ended up in critical condition from consumption of molly.

"It raises your body temperature, your heart rate goes up, your blood pressure goes up, and so it does make you more prone to heat stroke," crime analyst Brad Garrett said, via ABC News.

The Drug Policy Alliance notes a typical dose of molly, or around 100 to 125 mg of the drug, lasts four to six hours. Its effects resemble both stimulants and psychedelics, according to the organization.

Although few adverse effects have been reported with the drug, hyperthermia--a dangerously high increase in body temperature--is the most common problem related to ecstasy, and these reactions, especially when including dancing or other physical exertion, can result in hazardous consequences to your health. However, the organization writes that overdoses are extremely rare and users should take breaks and consume lots of fluids when and if using the drug, that is currently an illegal substance in the United States.