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4-FA
Revision as of 06:55, 13 February 2018 by >Maethor1337(Grammatics)
4-Fluoroamphetamine (also known as 4-FA, 4-FMP, para-Fluoroamphetamine, PAL-303 and colloquially as Flux) is a novel synthetic substituted amphetamine compound that produces a unique progressive mixture of entactogenic and stimulant effects when administered. It is part of a series of fluorinated amphetamine analog that initially included such compounds as 2-FA, 2-FMA, and 3-FA.[1]
WARNING: Always start with lower doses due to differences between individual body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and personal sensitivity. See responsible use section.
DISCLAIMER: PW's dosage information is gathered from users and resources for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation and should be verified with other sources for accuracy.
Anecdotal reports have described the subjective effects of 4-FA as having a moderate MDMA-likeentactogenic onset for the initial few hours of the experience that then gradually transitions into traditional amphetamine-typestimulation (for a total duration of around 6 to 8 hours) with residual effects that can last a few hours afterward.[citation needed]
4-FA is rarely found on the streets but commonly sold as a grey area research chemical by online vendors along with related compounds such as 2-FMA and 3-FA.[2][3] Very little data exists about the pharmacological properties, metabolism, and toxicity of 4-FA, and it has only a brief history of human usage. Due to its strong psychostimulant effects, likely habit-forming properties as well as poorly understood toxicity profile, it is strongly recommended that one use proper harm reduction practices if choosing to use this substance.
4-Fluoroamphetamine (4-FA) is a synthetic molecule of the amphetamine family. Molecules of the amphetamine class contain a phenethylamine core featuring a phenyl ring bound to an amino (NH2) group through an ethyl chain with an additional methyl substitution at Rα. Amphetamines are alpha-methylated phenethylamines. 4-fluoroamphetamine contains a fluorine atom at R4 of its phenyl ring and is a fluorinated analogue of amphetamine.
Substitutive structure of an amphetamine molecule
Pharmacology
4-Fluoroamphetamine acts as a releasing agent and reuptake inhibitor of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine producing stimulating amphetamine-like effects at lower doses and euphoric, entactogenic effects similar to MDMA at dosages above 100mg. The mechanism of action of 4-FA effectively boosts the levels of the norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin neurotransmitters in higher doses in the brain by binding to and partially blocking the transporter proteins that normally remove those monoamines from the synaptic cleft. This allows dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin to accumulate within the brain, resulting in stimulating, euphoric and entactogenic effects.[4][5][6]
Subjective effects
It is commonly reported that the first three to four hours of 4-FA present distinct entactogenic effects that have been reported as feeling somewhat similar to MDMA although not quite as powerful. This is thought to correlate with the duration in which it is promoting the release of serotonin (in addition to dopamine and norepinephrine). After this first phase of the experience, the effect then shifts towards something which feels like classic amphetamine stimulation which can persist for an extended period.[citation needed]
Do not use 4-FA if you have a history of heart-related issues or experience a severe headache after its use. We have been made aware of a report released by Trimbos-instituut[7] and Nationaal Vergiftigingen Informatie Centrum[8] (NVIC), describing incidents of strokes after an increased use of 4-FA. In addition to the common amphetamine-like effects (agitation, anxiety, tachycardia, hypertension, chest pain et al.), serious cardio- and cerebrovascular complications have been reported, including rhythm (sinus arrhythmia, ventricular extrasystoles (bigeminy), conduction disturbances) and acute cardiac failure. Although a causal relationship has not been confirmed, when presented with a severe headache and lateralization after 4-FA usage, a medical evaluation at an emergency department should be conducted immediately. [9]
Disclaimer: The effects listed below cite the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), an open research literature based on anecdotal user reports and the personal analyses of PsychonautWikicontributors. As a result, they should be viewed with a healthy degree of skepticism.
It is also worth noting that these effects will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more liable to induce the full spectrum of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become increasingly likely with higher doses and may include addiction, severe injury, or death ☠.
Physical effects
Sedation & Stimulation - The first few hours of the 4-FA experience are commonly reported to have overtones of the type of sedation that is associated with the serotonin-releasing properties of entactogens like MDMA. After these entactogenic effects fade and the stimulating effects become predominant. The stimulation which 4-FA produces throughout the entirety of the experience be described as being slightly weaker in intensity to amphetamine and less forceful than traditional dopaminergic stimulants such as cocaine.
Spontaneous physical sensations - The "body high" of 4-FA can be characterized as a moderate to extreme euphoric tingling sensation that encompasses the entire body. It is capable of becoming overwhelmingly pleasurable at higher doses. This sensation maintains a consistent presence that steadily rises with the onset and hits its limit once the peak has been reached.
Physical euphoria - This effect is extremely intense when compared to its physical stimulation.
Vibrating vision - At high doses, a person's eyeballs may begin to spontaneously wiggle back and forth in a rapid motion, causing the vision to become blurry and temporarily out of focus. This is a condition known as nystagmus and is considered to be harmless in most cases.
Seizure - This is a rare effect but is thought to be able to occur in those predisposed to them, especially when taking heavier-than-recommended doses or redosing while in physically taxing conditions such as being dehydrated, fatigued, undernourished, or overheated.[citation needed]
Empathy, affection, and sociability enhancement - In comparison to other substances, this effect can be described as identical to the effects produced by MDMA, but with less intensity. Like euphoria, it is most present at dosages above 100mg.
Cognitive euphoria - This effect can be described in its manifestation as a series of euphoric waves that recede and reappear randomly throughout the experience. It is most present at dosages above 100mg.
Delirium & Confusion - This effect typically only occurs with overly high doses, and is associated with temperature dysregulation and overheating, particularly when 4-FA is taken in crowded, physically strenuous environments that leaves the user unable to cool off, rest, or rehydrate adequately.
Unity and interconnectedness - Experiences of unity, oneness, and interconnectedness are sometimes reported with 4-FA. This component most consistently manifests itself at higher doses during the empathogenic phase, within large crowds at raves and musical events in the form of "becoming one with the crowd." Music is said to intensify this effect as well consistently.
After effects
The effects which occur during the offset of a stimulant experience generally feel negative and uncomfortable in comparison to the effects which occurred during its peak. This is often referred to as a "comedown" and occurs because of neurotransmitter depletion. Its effects commonly include:
Suicidal ideation - This effect is typically only reported when 4-FA is misused by either taking it too frequently, with excessive doses, and/or compulsively.
The toxicity and long-term effects of recreational 4-FA use have only scarcely been studied because 4-FA has very little history of human usage. Anecdotal evidence, as well as several case reports, suggest there is a small to moderate individual health risk associated with the use of 4-FA. Among these, it appears there is an especially a high risk for acute cardiovascular toxicity. Some people in the Netherlands, only using a moderate dose, have died due to cardiac arrest or suffered severe brain damage due to a stroke. The mechanism of this acute toxicity is not yet known, but it seems as though the stroke starts off as an intense headache or even a migraine attack, that slowly worsens.[10]
The LD50 (mouse; i.p.) of 4-FA is 46 mg/kg.[11] 4-FA does not cause long-lasting depletion of brain serotonin unlike MDMA or 4-FA's analogs 4-CA and 4-BA.
It is also worth noting that 4-FA is particularly caustic in comparison to other compounds and can, therefore, cause chemical burns within the nasal passage and throat if it is insufflated. This method of administration is discouraged.
As with other stimulants, the chronic use of 4-FA can be considered moderately addictive with a high potential for abuse and is capable of causing psychological dependence among certain users. When addiction has developed, cravings and withdrawal effects may occur if a person suddenly stops their usage.
Tolerance to many of the effects of 4-FA develops with prolonged and repeated use. This results in users having to administer increasingly large doses to achieve the same effects. After that, it takes about 3 - 7 days for the tolerance to be reduced to half and 1 - 2 weeks to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). This is how long it takes to reduce the tolerance for the stimulating effects. Tolerance for the entactogenic effects may take a longer period to reduce. 4-FA presents cross-tolerance with [[Cross-tolerance::all dopaminergicstimulants]], meaning that after the consumption of 4-FA all stimulants will have a reduced effect.
4-FA, like other stimulants, can result in a stimulant psychosis that may present with a variety of symptoms (e.g., paranoia, hallucinations, or delusions).[12][13] A review on treatment for amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and methamphetamine abuse-induced psychosis states that about 5–15% of users fail to recover completely.[13][14] The same review asserts that, based upon at least one trial, antipsychotic medications effectively resolve the symptoms of acute amphetamine psychosis.[13]
Dangerous interactions
Warning:Many psychoactive substances that are reasonably safe to use on their own can suddenly become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with certain other substances. The following list provides some known dangerous interactions (although it is not guaranteed to include all of them).
Always conduct independent research (e.g. Google, DuckDuckGo, PubMed) to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some of the listed interactions have been sourced from TripSit.
"[[DangerousInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] & "[[DangerousInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - 25x compounds are highly stimulating and physically straining. Combinations with 4-FA should be strictly avoided due to the risk of excessive stimulation and heart strain. This can result in increased blood pressure, vasoconstriction, panic attacks, thought loops, seizures, and heart failure in extreme cases.
"[[UncertainInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Combining alcohol with stimulants can be dangerous due to the risk of accidental over-intoxication. Stimulants mask alcohol's depressant effects, which is what most people use to assess their degree of intoxication. Once the stimulant wears off, the depressant effects will be left unopposed, which can result in blackouts and severe respiratory depression. If mixing, the user should strictly limit themselves to only drinking a certain amount of alcohol per hour.
"[[UnsafeInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Combinations with DXM should be avoided due to its inhibiting effects on serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. There is an increased risk of panic attacks and hypertensive crisis, or serotonin syndrome with serotonin releasers (MDMA, methylone, mephedrone, etc.). Monitor blood pressure carefully and avoid strenuous physical activity.
"[[UnsafeInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Any neurotoxic effects of MDMA are likely to be increased when other stimulants are present. There is also a risk of excessive blood pressure and heart strain (cardiotoxicity).
"[[UncertainInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Some reports suggest combinations with MXE may dangerously increase blood pressure and increase the risk of mania and psychosis.
"[[UncertainInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Both classes carry a risk of delusions, mania and psychosis, and these risk may be multiplied when combined.
"[[UnsafeInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - 4-FA may be dangerous to combine with other stimulants like cocaine as they can increase one's heart rate and blood pressure to dangerous levels.
"[[DangerousInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Tramadol is known to lower the seizure threshold[15] and combinations with stimulants may further increase this risk.
MDMA - The neurotoxic effects of MDMA may be increased when combined with other stimulants.
Cocaine - This combination may increase strain on the heart to dangerous levels.
Combinations with the following substances can cause dangerously high serotonin levels. Serotonin syndrome requires immediate medical attention and can be fatal if left untreated.
↑Quednow, B., Girreser, U., Junge, T., & Ro, P. (2005). Isomeric Fluoro-methoxy-phenylalkylamines: a new series of controlled-substance analogues (designer drugs), 148, 143–156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2004.05.003
↑ 13.013.113.2Shoptaw, S. J., Kao, U., & Ling, W. (2009). Treatment for amphetamine psychosis. The Cochrane Library.
↑Hofmann FG (1983). A Handbook on Drug and Alcohol Abuse: The Biomedical Aspects (2nd ed.). New York: Oxford University Press. p. 329. ISBN 9780195030570.
↑Talaie, H.; Panahandeh, R.; Fayaznouri, M. R.; Asadi, Z.; Abdollahi, M. (2009). "Dose-independent occurrence of seizure with tramadol". Journal of Medical Toxicology. 5 (2): 63–67. doi:10.1007/BF03161089. eISSN1937-6995. ISSN1556-9039. OCLC163567183.
. eISSN 1471-6771. ISSN 0007-0912. OCLC 01537271. PMID 16051647.