Its adverse effects have led some to call it a ‘zombie drug.’ If you are hooked on Flakka, you need to get help as soon as possible. Kolesnikova and coworkers characterized the behavioral effects of α-PVP in adult zebrafish following acute (1, 5, 25, and 50 mg/L for 20 min) and chronic (1, 5, and 10 mg/L for seven days) treatments [43]. Overall, acute exposure to α-PVP evoked psychostimulant (but not anxiolytic-like) effects in this novel zebrafish tank test, with characteristic and stereotypic ‘side-to-side’ bottom swimming at 5, 25, and 50 mg/L. The signal peaks for α-PVP in the brain were consistent with the systemic concentrations of the drug that were given. Collectively, these findings support zebrafish sensitivity to α-PVP and show some parallels with its effects in mammals.

Side Effects Of Flakka

Many people report feeling increased energy initially after using the drug, but they may feel a powerful crash once the drug’s effects wear off. Addiction Resource is an educational platform for sharing and disseminating information about addiction and substance abuse recovery centers. Addiction Resource is not a healthcare provider, nor does it claim to offer sound medical advice to anyone. Addiction Resource does not favor or support any specific recovery center, nor do we claim to ensure the quality, validity, or effectiveness of any particular treatment center. No one should assume the information provided on Addiction Resource as authoritative and should always defer to the advice and care provided by a medical doctor. As a psychostimulant, flakka drug use tends to make the user feel symptoms related to increased activity of the central nervous system.

What Do Bath Salts and Flakka Have in Common?

Flakka, which is also called gravel in some parts of the country, is the street name for a chemical called alpha-PVP, or alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone. The chemical is a synthetic cathinone, a category that includes the mild natural stimulant khat, which people in Somalia and the Middle East have chewed for centuries. Chemically, Flakka is a next-generation, more powerful version do you genuinely like the feeling of being drunk of bath salts. Flakka was banned by the Drug Enforcement Administration in early 2014. The drug, which has the street name of Flakka, is a synthetic stimulant that is chemically similar to bath salts. Flakka is fast developing a reputation for what seem to be its nasty side effects, including a tendency to give people enormous rage and strength, along with intense hallucinations.

How are they abused?

This life-threatening condition can cause hyperstimulation, dangerously high body temperature, and symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations, deliriousness, and extreme paranoia. In small doses, it can have effects similar to prescription stimulants like a proclamation on national youth substance use prevention month 2021 Adderall, such as increased focus and an energy boost. All methods of use can be dangerous and may lead to serious side effects on physical health, behavior, and mental health. Flakka is an addictive, recreational drug that can be used in multiple ways.

Pharmacological Treatment

This is because the “comedown” after drug ingestion causes feelings of depression and being down. A new drug that gives people superhuman strength, but leads to violent delusions, is gaining attention. People who use flakka may demonstrate bizarre behavior that can be scary both to the person using it and those around them. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), flakka can cause a condition known as “excited delirium”. Users also report severe anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations. The active ingredient is psilocybin, which is a hallucinogen found in certain types of mushrooms.

The results showed that α-PVP consumes ATP, causes a loss of cell membrane integrity, and increases superoxide radical anion levels in C2C12 myoblasts in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, as a pyrrolidone derivative, α-PVP also impairs basic and maximum cellular respiration, suggesting an abnormal mitochondrial function. Therefore, in addition to the effects on the sympathetic nervous system and vigorous muscle exercise, the direct effects of α-PVP on skeletal muscle mitochondria may lead to myotoxicity in susceptible cathinone users.

1. Flakka, also known as gravel or “poor man’s cocaine”, is a stimulant that comes in the form of white or pinkish crystals.
2. Risk factors for overdose include, simultaneous use of sedatives or alcohol, use of prescription pain pills, and recent abstinence with relapse.
3. Hall added that there have been recent reports of a designer drug marketed as flakka in Ohio and Houston as well as Florida.
4. In March 2014 [77], the DEA temporarily included 10 types of synthetic cathinones, such as α-PVP, in the Schedules of Controlled Substances, and they extended this control period in March 2016 [78].
5. Additionally, Flakka hinders the reuptake of this neurotransmitter by the brain cells, producing an intense feeling of euphoria.

This study also suggests that aquatic models based on zebrafish can help to further examine the CNS effects evoked by α-PVP and to screen for related new synthetic psychoactive drugs. However, no experimental studies have been conducted to investigate the chronic impact of α-PVP on human health. In fact, knowledge on the long-term effects of α-PVP use in humans is lacking.

If you or anyone you know is undergoing a severe health crisis, call a doctor or 911 immediately. Emergency services should always atorvastatin oral route description and brand names be immediately contacted in case of a suspected overdose. It can be dangerous to attempt deescalation without assistance.

Therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy can teach patientshow to overcome triggers and cravings. Many street dealers sell cocaine or crystal meth laced with flakka. But mixing flakka with other drugs can exacerbate its effects and lead to overdose or death. From 2013 to 2015, flakka use became an epidemic in poor neighborhoods in South Florida. People high on the synthetic cathinone began acting erratically — exhibiting bizarre behaviors and becoming uncontrollably volatile.

This is the means by which to correct the psychosocial elements of abuse and addiction, which can be through counselling alone or in groups, cognitive behavioral therapy, and contingency management therapy. For individuals trying to stop abusing flakka drugs, it can be hard to do so due to withdrawal symptoms. Luckily, with professional care and medication, this process can be made comfortable for addicts. The active ingredient in this drug, which is α-PVP, is listed by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency to be a Schedule I drug. This means that it is a substance that has no approved medical value, yet has a high potential for being abused.

It’s a combination of several harmful chemicals including codeine, iodine, gasoline, paint thinner, lighter fluid and others. Risk factors for overdose include, simultaneous use of sedatives or alcohol, use of prescription pain pills, and recent abstinence with relapse. Despite their name, bath salts have nothing in common with products you can use for a soak in the tub. As of 2019, the drug had caused several deaths across Ohio and Utah, and 1 percent of American teens admitted they had tried it. However, the total number of 2014 cases nationwide was still “only” 670.

Flakka, which can be crushed and snorted, swallowed or injected, is peddled under many brand names, including the less-potent cathinone, “Molly.” Flakka is often mixed with other drugs like methamphetamine. In 2013 alone, cathinones, created in China and sold over the Internet, caused 123 deaths in Florida, according to the United Way of Broward County Commission on Substance Abuse. According to Hall’s research, alpha-PVP is often purchased online in bulk from locations such as China, typically at $1,500 per kilogram.

Improper use of PEA derivatives or synthetic cathinone can be very dangerous [4]. Their use sometimes causes severe poisoning and considerably affects human health. Usually, people will be more anxious and aggressive after using synthetic cathinones, and they will exhibit aggressive behavior at high doses (70–100 ng/mL) [5].

Doses typically sell on the street for $4 or $5, and because each dose is so tiny, that means dealers can net about $50,000 from their initial investment, as long as they have the networks to distribute the drug. Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available. If you or a loved one is using flakka, this may be a sign that they need professional help. Flakka can have dangerous side effects and have both health-related and legal consequences.