Analysis show that a significant increase in the number of health incidents can be observed through the use of 4-FA. The incidents caused from minor symptoms such as headaches to brain bleeding and problems with the heart. A few cases are also known of people who died after the use of (presumably) 4-FA, but further investigation is needed to provide a definitive answer.
An important danger with the use is that the complaints that users experience at first are fairly mild in nature, in particular (mild) headaches and (mildly) treated blood pressure. Complaints can unexpectedly turn into life-threatening situations, such as cerebral haemorrhage. Users of 4-FA who experience complaints as a headache after use are advised to go directly to the first aid of an event of the doctor.
Short-term risks
There are the following short-term risks with 4-FA:
- Severe headache
- Overheating (hyperthermia)
- Cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory problems and increased blood pressure
- Damage to the teeth
- Bad trip and psychological complaints
Severe headache
Users can get severe headaches during and after 4-FA use.
Overheating (hyperthermia)
The body temperature rises through the use of 4-FA (similar to amphetamine). When 4-FA, as with XTC from amphetamine, is used in a warm, busy environment, the body temperature rises even further. If someone is also dancing hard for a long time, overheating can occur.
Symptoms of incipient overheating:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Stiff muscles
- Dizziness
These are all symptoms that can also fall under the normal circumstances of 4-FA. If the body temperature does not drop, the following symptoms may occur:
- Shivering
- Fast heartbeat
- Pale appearance
- Decreased consciousness
- Nausea
- Vomit
If the body temperature rises to 40-41 degrees Celsius, the situation is life-threatening:
- Breakdown of muscle tissue
- Blood clotting throughout the body
- Deteriorated played of kidneys and liver
- Epileptic attacks
Depending on the circumstances, overheating can occur at “normal” doses of 4-fluoramphetamine. Overheating is very dangerous and difficult to treat. Seeking cooling, taking a rest and drinking enough water (maximum 1 glass per hour) is necessary to prevent overheating. Sweating is also an important way to cool down: by evaporating the layer of sweat on your skin, your skin cools down. But if the humidity is very high (when the drops fall from the ceiling), the sweat can evaporate less well and your body cannot cool down properly.
Cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory problems and increased blood pressure
At high doses there is a risk of cardiac arrhythmias such as a dangerously high heart rate (tachycardia). There are also cases with respiratory disorders (hyperventilation) and dangerously high blood pressure (1). The latter risk is increased when 4-FA is combined with anti-allergy pills (e.g. against hay fever).
Damage to the teeth
By 4-FA you can go grinding teeth. That can be harmful to your teeth. You also make less saliva. Saliva is the natural cleanser of your teeth.
Bad trip and psychological complaints
Anxiety during 4-FA use can occur. This can also be called a “bad trip”. Panic attacks that sometimes persist for some time after 4-FA use can also occur. Some users may experience depression. The more often and more is used, the greater the chance that someone will feel depressed in the longer term. This is mainly because then the release and re-uptake of the substance serotonin is disturbed. In addition, there are complaints such as feelings of anxiety, reduced concentration, fatigue, headache, tingling, muscle twitching, vision problems and dizziness.
Source: 1: CAM Quick Scan rapportage van 4-fluoramfetamine (4-FA), RIVM 2016
Long term risks
4-FA has not been used for that long, so the long-term risks are not yet known. This simply cannot be investigated yet. The long-term risks are probably comparable to other uppers such as XTC, cocaine and speed.
