Author
Hunter S. Thompson mentions adrenochrome in his book
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. In the book it is derived from a living donor's
adrenal gland (removing the gland kills the donor; it cannot be taken from a corpse). As such, it is purported to be very exotic, and very intense: "the first wave felt like a combination of
mescaline and
methedrine". Thompson reported a significant perceived rise in body temperature that led to paralysis. The adrenochrome scene also appears in the novel's
film adaptation. In the DVD commentary, director
Terry Gilliam admits that his and Thompson's portrayal is fictional
hyperbole.