What is flakka? Here's what you need to know

What is flakka?

Flakka is an umbrella term for several designer drugs, which are chemically related and thus exhibit the same effects as the illicit drug alpha-PVP. Flakka are synthetic cathinones that you can smoke, swallow or even snort. The drug existed in the 1960s as a horse tranquilizer. As of 2014, it is being used recreationally and has been renamed Flakka in Florida. Flakka stands for the Spanish flaco, which means thin. This refers to a user's physical condition after excessive intake of the NPS. Flakka is known for the powerful and euphoric effects of the substances. The best known substances within flakka are: a-PHP, a-PHiP and a-PVP. The substances mostly come in white crystal blocks or powder form, but some are available in pill form. 

Flakka action

According to toxicologist Jiří Patočka, Flakka causes an increase in dopamine and noradrenaline levels in the brain, resulting in a feeling of happiness and increased energy among users. In addition, it slows the breakdown of these substances. Flakka is similar in action to substances like methamphetamine or cocaine with stimulant effects, such as high energy and alertness. The drug is active from as little as a few milligrams and the effects last about two to five hours. This has the greatest risk that people can quickly overdose, after which the effects are very intense. 

Flakka effects

When a person takes flakka, one will feel mostly mind-altering and stimulating effects. One gets more energy and feels euphoric. The perception of the world also changes. With this drug, the dosage certainly has a great influence on the effects that are perceived. The most commonly heard effects are:

• Euphoria
• Hallucinations
• Increased libido
• Energy
• Focus

However, if you take too much of the drug, these positive effects can quickly turn into hefty side effects. 

Dangers of flakka

The greatest danger with flakka lies in the fact that you can quickly take too much. This is mainly because it creates an urge to keep taking more, the so-called craving. Other negative effects of the NPS are:

• Increased blood pressure
• Higher body temperature
• Paranoia
• Suicidal tendencies
• Severe emaciation
• Restlessness
• Anxiety
• Epileptic seizures
• Drug psychosis 
• Tension in muscles
• Muscle jerks
• Sweating
• Dry mouth
• Unable to sleep
• Large pupils

The days after taking flakka, users additionally experience a hangover, in which the mental and physical state is poor. 

Is the flakka drug legal?

The drug it began with, alpha-PVP, has been placed on the Opium List since 2017, meaning possession, trafficking, production and the like are prohibited. A-PHP was added to this list on Oct. 25, 2021, followed by a-PiHP in April 2024. However, manufacturers more often modify the formula so that the effects remain the same, but the drug is no longer illegal. Since this synthetic substance goes over the counter for fairly low prices, this is especially dangerous for the sensitive and vulnerable group that can no longer do without flakka.