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Flakka - The Dangerous Synthetic Drug

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Flakka is a dangerous synthetic stimulant drug. This article reviews Flakka, its abuse, and its adverse health effects.

Written by

Dr. Sameeha M S

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar

Published At December 6, 2022
Reviewed AtMarch 28, 2024

Introduction

Flakka is an artificial drug that produces stimulant effects similar to cocaine. It is available in white crystals, identical to aquarium gravel. In some parts of the world, it is known as gravel. Even in minimal doses, this drug will induce central nervous system stimulation and a state of unconsciousness similar to other drugs like cocaine and Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). They can be injected, smoked, or snorted. Flakka will cause extreme effects characterized by violent behavior, extreme euphoria (intense excitement), extreme agitation, and distress. In most regions of the world, Flakka is illegal.

What Is Flakka?

Flakka (gravel) is a synthetic cathinone. Natural cathinone (monoamine alkaloid) is found in shrubs like khat. Cathinone has stimulant effects similar to Amphetamines, Ephedrine, Methcathinone, and Cathine. Alpha - pyrrolidinopentiophenone (alpha-PVP) is the active chemical ingredient in Flakka. It causes excessive synaptic activation and a condition known as agitated delirium. In this state, an altered mental status will result in anxiety, bizarre behavior, confusion, agitation, violent outbursts, and seizures. Flakka is considered a Schedule I drug (high potential for abuse with no medical use).

What Is Flakka Made Of?

Flakka is a man-made drug that is created from a synthetic version of a stimulant in the cathinone class known as alpha- Pyrrolidinopentiophenone. Cathinone is a chemical substance that is naturally found in khat plants, where the leaves of the plant are chewed on to produce a mildly stimulating effect.

How Does Flakka Affect the Brain?

Flakka intake will cause excessive dopamine release in the brain. Cathinones stimulate dopamine release and inhibit norepinephrine, serotonin, and epinephrine reuptake in the central nervous system. Cathinones are hydrophobic molecules that easily cross the blood-brain barriers and reach the synaptic cleft between neurons. Excessive dopamine influx in the brain will cause an intense state of euphoria and an altered mental state. Cathinone metabolites like norephedrine and cathine are also central nervous system stimulants.

What Are the Symptoms of Flakka Abuse?

  • Euphoric sensations.

  • Hyperstimulation.

  • Intense sweating.

  • Aggressive behavior.

  • Loss of inhibitions.

  • Rapid heart rate.

  • High blood pressure.

  • Spasms.

  • Anxiety.

  • Loss of appetite.

  • Severe confusion.

  • Increased body temperature.

  • Dehydration.

  • Delusions.

  • Tremors.

  • Hallucinations.

  • Panic attack.

  • Altered mental state.

  • Suicidal tendency.

  • Insomnia.

  • Development of seizures.

What Are the Adverse Health Effects Associated With Flakka?

  • Cardiovascular System - Cathinone (a component of Flakka) is a potent vasoconstrictor and increases blood pressure in humans. Thus, Flakka intake will cause adverse health effects on the cardiovascular system, causing an increased incidence of myocardial infarction (heart attack).

  • Reproductive System - Flakka use has shown a decreased fertility rate in males and females. In males, an increase in abnormal sperm count, decreased sperm count, and reduced sperm motility is observed. Cathinones can produce deleterious effects on the Sertoli and Leydig cells in the male reproductive system. Reduced placental blood flow and developmental defects are observed in pregnant women using Flakka.

  • Respiratory System - Chronic Flakka use will cause a reduction in lung capacity. Pulmonary edema and respiratory distress are observed in people using Flakka.

  • Renal System - Toxic metabolites produced from the components of Flakka will cause renal cell damage and result in renal failure.

  • Central Nervous System - Synthetic cathinone like Flakka will alter the levels of brain neurotransmitters and induce psychostimulation. High blood pressure after Flakka use will enhance the risk of developing a stroke. Chronic use of Flakka is associated with an increased risk of developing brain swellings and migraine.

  • Gastrointestinal System - Flakka use is also associated with gastrointestinal mucosal irritations and stomach ulcers.

  • Liver - Long-term use and addiction will lead to increased consumption for desired effects and end up in liver toxicity and liver failure.

What Is the Difference Between Bath Salts and Flakka?

Bath Salts Vs. Flakka

Bath salts and Flakka are synthetic cathinones. They have similar chemical properties and effects. Bath salts are white in appearance, similar to Flakka, and can be smoked, swallowed, or injected into the body. They both act as central nervous system stimulants and induce hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia (constant feeling of threat) and an aggressive mental state. The only evident difference between bath salts and Flakka is the lack of 3,4-methylenedioxy motif molecules in Flakka.

What Is Flakka's Addiction?

Flakka is a highly addictive drug. They induce extreme mental alterations in humans and cause uncontrollable violent behaviors. Flakka is popularly known as a zombie drug due to the extremely violent zombie-like behavior (tendency to eat people) observed in people after its addiction and overdose. Harmful components present in Flakka can cause unpredictable effects on humans. It is reportedly ten times more effective than cocaine. Even in very low doses, it will induce a state of euphoria (prolonged state of excitement). People will start consuming more and more amounts to prolong this state of euphoria and end up in addiction and toxicity. Withdrawal symptoms like tremors, anxiety, sleeping issues, and depression are seen with synthetic cathinones.

What Are the Treatment Options for Flakka Addiction?

A combination of drug detoxification and behavioral therapy can be used to manage Flakka's addiction.

1. Detox - In this process, the dangerous metabolites present in the body are cleared out to avoid further health issues. During detox, the individual will develop symptoms like mood swings, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, seizures and depression, and arrhythmia.

2. Therapy - Flakka addiction management is a challenging process. Drug addiction will harm mental, physical, and emotional health. After detoxification from Flakka, different therapy sections are started to rule out the emotional cause behind drug addiction and to help the individual in this deaddiction process. Different therapies involved in the treatment of Flakka addiction include the following,

  • Individual Therapy - In this, the emotional cause for Flakka's addiction is identified, and personal therapy sessions are given to the patients to overcome emotional imbalances and further drug use.

  • Behavioral Therapy - The negative behavioral patterns developed during drug abuse are identified and corrected using behavioral therapies.

  • Experimental Therapy - These activities like painting, gardening, camping, and other physical activities are assigned to individuals to overcome emotional difficulties and improve mental peace.

Conclusion

Flakka is a dangerous, synthetic, addictive drug. It induces central nervous system stimulation and causes altered mental status in individuals after usage. Even low doses of Flakka can induce alteration in consciousness and an excited state. Therefore, Flakka addiction is highly dangerous and must be managed with professional treatment to avoid adverse health effects.

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Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar
Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)

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