Flakka, a dangerous new synthetic drug.

We explain the terrifying effects of this drug.

The Flakka is a new designer drug with effects that are as potent as they are deadly.

Many cases of consumption have been reported in the United States and in some Asian countries, but it has recently arrived in Spain, where the first case of intoxication has been detected, which fortunately did not result in death. However, this potent drug has caused alarm among health authorities.

Flakka, the new and highly dangerous synthetic drug

Previous cases of intoxication had resulted in the death of the individuals who had consumed the drug, as this substance has an almost immediate effect on the body. the substance has an almost immediate effect on the body and there is no "antidote". there is no "antidote" to counteract to counteract its negative effects, which makes it particularly dangerous.

A drug unknown until recently

Flakka can be consumed orally, snorted, smoked or injected. Its active compound is called alpha-PVP, a stimulant substance that belongs to the chemical group of the cathinoneswhich in turn belongs to the family of the phenethylamines. Alpha-PVP is a very potent stimulant for which there are few references.

This compound resembles methylenedioxypyrovalerone (also known as MDPV and found in another drug known as bath salts) in both its chemical structure and its effects on the body. While consumption of the active ingredient in bath salts is illegal, alpha-PVP remains legal in Spain.

The effects of Flakka: "madness at 5 dollars".

Flakka is also known as "the Hulk drug" or "madness at 5 dollars" because of its energizing effects and its low price. This drug causes feelings of euphoria, heightened alertness, sexual arousalThe effects of this substance include: a feeling of having more energy and increased movement. But many individuals who consume this substance also experience negative symptoms, such as: panic attacks, psychosis, paranoia, hallucinations, extreme aggressiveness, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias and hyperthermia (with a body temperature above 38 degrees).

The euphoria produced by this substance disappears after a short time, so that many users feel the urge to consume Flakka again after a short time. These redoses increase the occurrence of side effects, and can cause irreparable damage to the can cause irreparable damage to users.. Like other similar substances, the drug Flakka can lead to tolerance and dependence.

Flakka, the 'Hulk drug', is now available in Spain.

In the United States and Asia, the use of this drug is becoming more and more common due to its low price and its almost immediate effects, but in Spain no case had been reported so far. A few weeks ago, in Magalufhas appeared the first case of Flakka consumption in Spain.

Due to the ingestion of the drug, a young British man was admitted to the hospital of Son Espales with 180 pulsations, hyperthermia (38 degrees) and a state of paranoia. Despite the seriousness of the symptoms, the doctors managed to save his life.

Spanish authorities, on alert for the arrival of summer

The consumption of this synthetic stimulant is common on the American continent.. Last year, 1,500 kilos of alpha-PVP were seized in the United States. The Florida area is the one that reports the most cases of consumption in this country, and Teresa Calero, therapist at the Baptist Health South addiction treatment center in Miami, states that "in the last three years the consumption of this substance has increased by 780%, since in Florida more than 600 people intoxicated with Flakka have been treated this year".

In Europe there is also concern about the consumption of this drug, as new psychoactive substances are being detected every year. In 2013, 115 kilograms of alpha-PVP were seized on the European continent, as confirmed by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. In Spain, the warning signal has been raised, as this case of intoxication comes just at the beginning of the summer season.. The vacations and the increased influx in leisure areas typical of this time of the year are of serious concern to the police authorities, who have already made several arrests in the Costa del Sol area in relation to the manufacture and distribution of the drug Flakka.

Bibliographical references:

• Aarde S, Creehan K, Vandewater S, Dickerson T, Taffe M. (2015). In vivo potency and efficacy of the novel cathinone α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone and 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone: self-administration and locomotor stimulation in male rats.