4-FA

4-FA
Chemical Nomenclature
Common names	4-FA, 4-FMP, PAL-303, Flux
Substitutive name	4-Fluoroamphetamine, para-Fluoroamphetamine
Systematic name	(RS)-1-(4-Fluorophenyl)-N-propan-2-amine
Class Membership
Psychoactive class	Stimulant / Entactogen
Chemical class	Amphetamine
Routes of Administration
WARNING: Always start with lower doses due to differences between individual body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and personal sensitivity. See responsible use section. ⇣ Oral Dosage Threshold 40 mg Light 40 - 100 mg Common 100 - 130 mg Strong 130 - 150 mg Heavy 150 mg + Duration Total 5 - 8 hours Onset 45 - 75 minutes Come up 30 - 75 minutes Peak 2.5 - 3.5 hours Offset 2 - 3 hours After effects 6 - 12 hours 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.
Interactions
Alcohol
GHB
GBL
Opioids
Cannabis
Caffeine
Ketamine
Methoxetamine
Psychedelics
Cocaine
DXM
PCP
25x-NBOMe
2C-T-x
5-MeO-xxT
DOx
Tramadol
aMT
MAOIs

Summary sheet: 4-FA

4-Fluoroamphetamine (also known as 4-FA, 4-FMP, PAL-303 and colloquially as Flux) is a synthetic ring-substituted fluorinated amphetamine compound that produces a mixture of entactogenic and stimulant effects. It is part of a series of fluorinated amphetamine analogs that include such compounds as 2-FA, 2-FMA, 3-FA and 3-FEA. It can be described subjectively as having an MDMA-like onset that gradually transitions into classical amphetamine-type stimulation.

4-FA is rarely found on the streets but commonly sold as a grey area research chemical through online vendors along with related compounds such as 2-fluoroamphetamine and 4-fluoromethamphetamine.

Chemistry

Generic structure of an amphetamine molecule

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 R_α. Amphetamines are alpha-methylated phenethylamines. 4-fluoroamphetamine contains a fluorine atom at R₄ of its phenyl ring and is a fluorinated analogue of amphetamine.

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.

Subjective effects

It is commonly reported that the first three to four hours of 4-FA present distinct entactogenic effects that has 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 of time.

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 PsychonautWiki contributors. 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 ☠.

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 and Nationaal Vergiftigingen Informatie Centrum (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.

Physical effects

• Stimulation - The stimulation which 4-FA presents can be described as being weaker in intensity to amphetamine and less forceful than traditional dopaminergic stimulants such as cocaine.
• Tactile enhancement
• Physical euphoria - This effect is extremely intense when compared to its physical stimulation.
• Dehydration
• Appetite suppression
• Increased heart rate
• Increased perspiration
• Teeth grinding

Cognitive effects

• 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.
• Empathy, love, 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.
• Thought acceleration
• Thought connectivity
• Focus enhancement
• Ego inflation
• Wakefulness
• Analysis enhancement
• Motivation enhancement
• Increased libido
• Novelty enhancement
• Compulsive redosing
• Wakefulness
• Time distortion - This can be described as the experience of time speeding up and passing much quicker than it usually would when sober.

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:

• Anxiety
• Cognitive fatigue
• Depression
• Irritability
• Motivation suppression
• Thought deceleration
• Wakefulness

Experience reports

Anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our experience index include:

• Experience:120mg/170mg 4-FA - Substance Overview
• Experience:500mg 4-FA + 150mg 5-HTP - Irresponsible & unexpected psychedelic

Additional experience reports can be found here:

• Erowid Experience Vaults: 4-FA

Toxicity and harm potential

Further information: Research chemicals § Toxicity and harm potential

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.

The LD₅₀ (mouse; i.p.) of 4-FA is 46 mg/kg. 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.

It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this drug.

Tolerance and addiction potential

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 dopaminergic stimulants]], meaning that after the consumption of 4-FA all stimulants will have a reduced effect.

Psychosis

Main article: Stimulant psychosis

Abuse of compounds within the amphetamine chemical class at high dosages for prolonged periods of time can potentially result in a stimulant psychosis that may present with a variety of symptoms (e.g., paranoia, hallucinations, or delusions). A review on treatment for amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and methamphetamine abuse-induced psychosis states that about 5–15% of users fail to recover completely. The same review asserts that, based upon at least one trial, antipsychotic medications effectively resolve the symptoms of acute amphetamine psychosis. Psychosis very rarely arises from therapeutic use.

Dangerous interactions

Although many drugs are safe on their own, they can become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with other substances. The list below contains some common potentially dangerous combinations, but may not include all of them. Certain combinations may be safe in low doses of each but still increase the potential risk of death. Independent research should always be done to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe before consumption.

• Stimulants - 4-FA can be potentially dangerous in combination with other stimulants as it 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.]] & "[[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 and combinations with stimulants may further increase this risk.
• Cocaine - This combination may increase strain on the heart.

Serotonin syndrome risk

Combinations with the following substances can cause dangerously high serotonin levels. Serotonin syndrome requires immediate medical attention and can be fatal if left untreated.

• MAOIs - Such as banisteriopsis caapi, syrian rue, phenelzine, selegiline, and moclobemide.
• Serotonin releasers - Such as MDMA, 4-FA, methamphetamine, methylone and αMT.
• SSRIs - Such as citalopram and sertraline
• [[Wikipedia:SNRIs|DangerousInteraction::SNRIs]] - Such as tramadol and venlafaxine
• 5-HTP

Legal issues

• Arizona: The drug was added to the "Dangerous Drug" list in April 2014.
• Louisiana: 4-FA is currently listed as a Schedule I drug as of June 2013.
• Virginia: The drug is classified as a Schedule I drug.
• Germany: 4-fluoroamphetamine was added to "Anlage I" in January 2012.
• Hungary: In January 2012, 4-flouroamphetamine became controlled in Hungary.
• France: 4-fluoroamphetamine was added to the list of illicit substances in March 2011.
• Israel: In December 2007, 4-flouroamphetamine was added to Israel's list of controlled substances, making it illegal to buy, sell, or possess.
• Poland: 4-Fluoroamphetamine is controlled in Poland.
• Slovak Republic: Beginning March 1, 2011, 4-Fluoroamphetamine is controlled in the Slovak Republic.
• United Kingdom: 4-FA is considered a Class A drug as a result of the amphetamine analogue clause of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
• New Zealand: 4-FA is an amphetamine analogue, so is a Schedule 3 controlled substance in New Zealand.
• Canada: 4-FA would be considered Schedule I as it is an analogue of Amphetamine.

See also

• Responsible use
• Research chemical
• Entactogen
• Stimulants
• Amphetamine
• MDMA
• 2-FMA
• 2-FA

External links

• 4-FA (Wikipedia)
• 4-FA (Erowid)
• 4-FA (Bluelight)
• 4-FA (TripSit)