2-FA
| Summary sheet: 2-FA |
| 2-FA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Chemical Nomenclature | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common names | 2-FA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Substitutive name | 2-Fluoroamphetamine | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Systematic name | 1-(2-Fluorophenyl)propan-2-amine | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class Membership | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Psychoactive class | Stimulant | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chemical class | Amphetamine | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Routes of Administration | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Interactions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Alcohol | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GHB | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GBL | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Opioids | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cocaine | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Caffeine | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ketamine | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Methoxetamine | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Psychedelics | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ArrayC-x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cannabis | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DMT | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LSD | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mescaline | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Psilocybin mushrooms | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DXM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PCP | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Array5x-NBOMe | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ArrayC-T-x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5-MeO-xxT | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DOx | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tramadol | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| aMT | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MAOIs | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2-Fluoroamphetamine (also known as 2-FA) is a novel stimulant substance of the amphetamine class. It is a structural analog of amphetamine and is presumed to possess a similar mechanism of action, promoting the release of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
2-FA is part of a series of amphetamine analogs that first appeared on the online research chemical market in the 2010s.[1][2] These compounds include 2-FMA, 3-FA, 3-FEA and 4-FA and are reported to produce a range of stimulating and euphoric effects, many of which have been used as research chemical substitutes for classical street stimulants and entactogens.[citation needed] Of these, 2-FA is considered to be most amphetamine-like in its subjective effects. It is commonly compared to the d-isomer of amphetamine (dexedrine).
2-FA is commonly taken orally. While capable of being taken via insufflation or vaporization, this has been reported to be highly unpleasant and noxious compared to its parent compound. Despite some users reporting efficacy as an alternative to prescription stimulants for ADHD, little is known about the potential toxicological effects that accompany its long-term use as a substitute for prescribed stimulants.
Very little data exists about the pharmacological properties, metabolism, and toxicity of 2-FA. It is highly advised to use harm reduction practices if using this substance.
Contents
Chemistry
2-FA, or 2-Fluoroamphetamine, 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 (i.e. amphetamines are alpha-methylated phenethylamines). Unlike its close analogue 2-FMA, 2-FA does not contain a methyl group bound to the terminal amine RN of the amphetamine core, which renders it structurally and functionally similar to amphetamine. 2-FA is the 2-position fluorinated analogue of amphetamine.
Pharmacology
Although 2-FA has not been formally studied on the same level as traditional amphetamines, it is safe to assume that just like other substituted amphetamines with substitutions at similar positions (with the notable exception of 4-FA), it most likely acts primarily as both a dopamine and norepinephrine releasing agent. This means it effectively increases the levels of the norepinephrine and dopamine neurotransmitters in the brain by binding to and partially blocking the transporter proteins that normally clear those monoamines from the synaptic cleft. This allows dopamine and norepinephrine to accumulate within the brain to extra-endogenous levels, resulting in stimulating, motivating and euphoric effects.
Subjective effects
In comparison to other substituted amphetamines, 2-FA is reported to be relatively free of side effects such as nausea, high blood pressure, anxiety and an uncomfortable offset ("comedown"). It is considered to be a functional and effective psychoactive substance for performing general productivity tasks in a manner that is similar to dextroamphetamine. However, at higher doses, it reportedly loses its productivity and attention-enhancing effects and begins to take on a recreational character due to the distracting euphoria and overstimulation that can result. However, it is often said that it possesses a "ceiling dose" that purportedly lowers the abuse threshold relative to methamphetamine, although this has yet to be scientifically demonstrated. 2-FA specifically has been though to be much weaker in effects than dextroamphetamine or 2-FMA and is rather compared to caffeine than other related substances.
Disclaimer: The effects listed below are cited from the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), which relies on assorted anecdotal reports and the personal experiences of PsychonautWiki contributors. As a result, they should be taken with a healthy amount of skepticism. It is worth noting that these effects will not necessarily occur in a consistent or reliable manner, although higher doses (common+) are more likely to induce the full spectrum of reported effects. Likewise, adverse effects become much more likely on higher doses and may include serious injury or death.
Physical effects 
-
The physical effects of 2-FA are generally subtle and smooth in a similar fashion to 2-FMA at common dosages.
- Physical euphoria
- Pupil dilation
- Stimulation
- Stamina enhancement
- Appetite suppression
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Constipation or Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Difficulty urinating
- Frequent urination
- Headaches
- Increased heart rate
- Increased perspiration
- Increased blood pressure
- Muscle contractions
- Muscle cramps
- Muscle spasms
- Seizure
- Stomach cramps
- Temporary erectile dysfunction
- Temperature regulation suppression
- Teeth grinding
- Vasoconstriction
Tactile effects
Cognitive effects 
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The cognitive effects of 2-FA appear to be very subtle at low to moderate dosages, unlike what is seen with amphetamine or 2-FMA and it is compared to caffeine in terms of its strength. Higher dosages don't produce more stimulation or euphoria but side effects such as insomnia.
- Analysis enhancement
- Anxiety or Anxiety suppression
- Cognitive euphoria
- Compulsive redosing
- Delusion
- Disinhibition
- Ego inflation
- Emotion suppression
- Focus enhancement
- Increased libido
- Increased music appreciation
- Motivation enhancement
- Paranoia
- Thought acceleration
- Thought organization or Thought disorganization
- 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:
Experience reports
Anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our experience index include:
There are currently no anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our experience index. Additional experience reports can be found here:
Toxicity and harm potential
The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational 2-FA use do not seem to have been studied in any scientific context and the exact toxic dosage is unknown. This is because 2-FA has very little history of human usage. Anecdotal evidence from people who have tried 2-FA within the community suggest that there do not seem to be any negative health effects attributed to simply trying this drug at low to moderate doses by itself and using it sparingly (but nothing can be completely guaranteed). Others have commented that its d-isomer form is virtually similar to the effects of d-amphetamine, and thus far little has been shown to give reason to suspect that its toxicity is radically different (though future evidence to the contrary may prove otherwise).
It is perhaps worth noting that in the field of medicinal chemistry, the fluorine substitution is sometimes seen as desirable in central nervous system pharmaceutical agents, and is a common practice due to the corresponding increase in lipophilicity granted by the substitute.[3]
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 2-FA can be considered moderately addictive with a high potential for abuse and is capable of causing psychological dependence among a certain population of users. When dependence or addiction has developed, cravings and withdrawal effects may occur if a person suddenly stops their usage.
Tolerance to many of the effects of 2-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 - 10 days to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). 2-FA presents cross-tolerance with all dopaminergic stimulants, meaning that after the consumption of 2-FA all stimulants will have a reduced effect (especially including atypical stimulants one might not expect, like MDMA due to its reliance on dopamine and norepinephrine to exert its full euphoric effect).
In a analogous way tolerance to amphetamine relates to tolerance on methamphetamine, 2-FA has been observed to have a similar relationship to its more popular relative, 2-FMA.
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).[4] A review on treatment for amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and methamphetamine abuse-induced psychosis states that about 5–15% of users fail to recover completely.[5][6] The same review asserts that, based upon at least one trial, antipsychotic medications effectively resolve the symptoms of acute amphetamine psychosis.[7] Psychosis very rarely arises from therapeutic use.[8][9]
Dangerous interactions
Although many psychoactive substances are reasonably safe to use on their own, they can quickly become dangerous or even life-threatening when combined with other substances. The list below includes some known dangerous combinations (although it cannot be guaranteed to include all of them). Independent research (e.g. Google, DuckDuckGo) should always be conducted to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some interactions listed have been sourced from TripSit.
- Alcohol - Drinking alcohol on stimulants is considered risky because it reduces the sedative effects of the alcohol that the body uses to gauge drunkenness. This often leads to excessive drinking with greatly reduced inhibitions, increasing the risk of liver damage and increased dehydration. The effects of stimulants will also allow one to drink past a point where they might normally pass out, increasing the risk. If you do decide to do this then you should set a limit of how much you will drink each hour and stick to it, bearing in mind that you will feel the alcohol and the stimulant less.
- GHB/GBL - Stimulants increase respiration rate allowing a higher dose of sedatives. If the stimulant wears off first then the depressant effects of the GHB/GBL may overcome the user and cause respiratory arrest.
- Opioids - Stimulants increase respiration rate allowing a higher dose of opiates. If the stimulant wears off first then the opiate may overcome the patient and cause respiratory arrest.
- Cocaine - This combination of stimulants will increase strain on the heart. It is not favored as cocaine has a mild blocking effect on dopamine releasers like amphetamine.
- Caffeine - This combination of stimulants is generally considered unnecessary and may increase strain on the heart, as well as potentially causing anxiety and physical discomfort.
- Tramadol - Tramadol and stimulants both increase the risk of seizures.
- DXM - Both substances raise heart rate, in extreme cases, panic attacks caused by these substances have led to more serious heart issues.
- Ketamine - No unexpected interactions. Likely to increase blood pressure but not an issue with sensible doses. Moving around on high doses of this combination may be ill advised due to risk of physical injury.
- PCP - Increases risk of tachycardia, hypertension, and manic states.
- Methoxetamine - Increases risk of tachycardia, hypertension, and manic states.
- Psychedelics - Increases risk of anxiety, paranoia, and thought loops.
- 25x-NBOMe - Amphetamines and NBOMes both provide considerable stimulation that when combined they can result in tachycardia, hypertension, vasoconstriction and, in extreme cases, heart failure. The anxiogenic and focusing effects of stimulants are also not good in combination with psychedelics as they can lead to unpleasant thought loops. NBOMes are known to cause seizures and stimulants can increase this risk.
- 2C-x
- 2C-T-x
- 5-MeO-xxT
- aMT
- Cannabis - Stimulants increase anxiety levels and the risk of thought loops and paranoia which can lead to negative experiences.
- DMT
- DOx
- LSD
- Mescaline
- Psilocybin mushrooms
- MAOIs - MAO-B inhibitors can increase the potency and duration of phenethylamines unpredictably. MAO-A inhibitors with amphetamine can lead to hypertensive crises.
Legal issues
2-FA is currently a grey area compound within all parts of the world, meaning its regulation lies in a legal grey area and that it is not known to be specifically illegal ("scheduled") within any country. However, people may still be charged for its possession under certain circumstances such as under analogue laws and with intent to sell or consume.
- Canada: 2-FA would be considered Schedule I as it is an analogue of Amphetamine.[10]
- China: As of October 2015 2-FA is a controlled substance in China.[11]
- Germany: 2-FA is controlled under the NpSG (New Psychoactive Substances Act)[12] as of November 26, 2016.[13] Production and import with the aim to place it on the market, administration to another person and trading is punishable. Possession is illegal but not penalized.[14]
- New Zealand: 2-FA is an amphetamine analogue, so is a Schedule 3 controlled substance in New Zealand.[15]
- Switzerland: 2-FA is a controlled substance specifically named under Verzeichnis E.[16]
- United Kingdom: 2-FA is considered a Class A drug as a result of the amphetamine analog clause of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.[17]
- United States: 2-FA may be considered to be an analogue of amphetamine under the Federal Analogue Act and thus a Schedule II drug. The Federal Analogue Act, 21 U.S.C. § 813, is a section of the United States Controlled Substances Act, allowing any chemical "substantially similar" to an illegal drug (in Schedule I or II) to be treated as if it were also in Schedule I or II, but only if it is intended for human consumption.
See also
External links
References
- ↑ Isomeric fluoro-methoxy-phenylalkylamines: a new series of controlled-substance analogues (designer drugs) (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15639609
- ↑ Chemical analysis of four capsules containing the controlled substance analogues 4-methylmethcathinone, 2-fluoromethamphetamine, alpha-phthalimidopropiophenone and N-ethylcathinone (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20074881
- ↑ Fluorine substituent effects (on bioactivity) | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002211390100375X
- ↑ Treatment for amphetamine psychosis | [1]
- ↑ Treatment for amphetamine psychosis | [2]
- ↑ Hofmann FG (1983). A Handbook on Drug and Alcohol Abuse: The Biomedical Aspects (2nd ed.). New York: Oxford University Press. p. 329. ISBN 9780195030570.
- ↑ Treatment for amphetamine psychosis | [3]
- ↑ Stimulant Misuse: Strategies to Manage a Growing Problem | http://www.acha.org/prof_dev/ADHD_docs/ADHD_PDprogram_Article2.pdf
- ↑ http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/021303s026lbl.pdf
- ↑ Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (S.C. 1996, c. 19) |http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-38.8/page-12.html#h-28
- ↑ "关于印发《非药用类麻醉药品和精神药品列管办法》的通知" (in Chinese). China Food and Drug Administration. 27 September 2015. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
- ↑ "Anlage NpSG" (in German). Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz. Retrieved December 19, 2019.
- ↑ "Gesetz zur Bekämpfung der Verbreitung neuer psychoaktiver Stoffe" (PDF) (in German). Bundesanzeiger Verlag. Retrieved December 19, 2019.
- ↑ "§ 4 NpSG" (in German). Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz. Retrieved December 19, 2019.
- ↑ http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1975/0116/latest/whole.html#DLM436576
- ↑ "Verordnung des EDI über die Verzeichnisse der Betäubungsmittel, psychotropen Stoffe, Vorläuferstoffe und Hilfschemikalien" (in German). Bundeskanzlei [Federal Chancellery of Switzerland]. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
- ↑ Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Legislation.gov.uk) |http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1971/38/schedule/2/part/I