4-FA, also known as 4-fluoramphetamine or 4-FMP, is a member of the phenethylamine family, sharing pharmacological ties with amphetamines and methamphetamines. It’s a stimulant with a touch of euphoria, but it’s one of the newer psychoactive substances that hasn’t been thoroughly studied.

THE EFFECT

4-FA stimulates the central nervous system and triggers a serotonin release, adding an emotional, entactogenic layer to the ‘4-FA effect’. It’s often likened to a blend of amphetamine and MDMA effects, but not as potent. It can enhance performance and mood, even to euphoric levels. It’s also known to suppress hunger, thirst, and fatigue, and can cause nausea. It promotes clear thinking, introspection, and a strong desire to chat.

How Much to Take 4-FA

If Ingested

Light: 40-100 mg

Medium: 100-130 mg

Heavy: 130-150 mg

If Snorted

Light: 10-30 mg

Medium: 30-70 mg

Heavy: 70-100 mg

Be careful: the substance can irritate the eyes, respiratory system, skin, and mucous membranes, so it’s best to swallow it. Snorting can cause severe irritation to the nasal mucous membranes, which can burn for days.‍

What it Looks Like:

It comes as a powder or crystal, and also in pill and capsule form.

How Long it Lasts:

When it Kicks In:

If swallowed: 30-75 minutes

If snorted: 5-10 minutes‍

How Long it Lasts:

If swallowed: 5-8 hours

If snorted: 3-5 hours

THE RISKS

Compared to other amphetamines and similar substances, 4-FA doesn’t seem to raise body temperature or activate chewing muscles (grinding teeth) as much. Overdosing can lead to headaches, mood swings, balance issues, and sweating. It can also cause panic attacks, anxiety, paranoia, and temporary hearing loss. There have been reports of kidney/liver pain, brown urine, yellowish skin, and in rare cases, seizures. Some users have reported headaches, circulation issues, and depression in the days after use.

4-FA is a new psychoactive substance. We don’t yet know much about how it works, its toxicity, or its long-term effects. Our current understanding is based mostly on user reports.

SAFER USAGE OF 4-FA

• New psychoactive substances are a bit of a mystery. When you dabble in them, you’re playing with fire, stepping into the unknown. It’s best to get them checked out at a drug testing facility. If that’s not doable and you’re still keen to try, start with a tiny dose and see how it goes.
• If you’re set on using, do your homework. Learn about the substance, the right dosage, and consider your mood and surroundings (set and setting) – this applies to NPS too.
• Don’t be fooled by flashy names without ingredient lists. Just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s safe.
• Keep your pals in the loop about what you’re taking and how much.
• Stay hydrated with non-alcoholic drinks and get some fresh air now and then.
• When the high fades, don’t rush to top up.
• Avoid mixing substances, it’s a risky business with uncharted territory.
• Give yourself a break from using every now and then.
• People with conditions like high blood pressure, heart issues, hyperthyroidism, liver and kidney problems, or circulatory issues should steer clear of New Psychoactive Substances.

MIXED USE

• Steer clear of mixing 4-FA with other serotonin releasing substances like MAOIs, MDMA, methamphetamine, methylone, 5-HTP and SSRIs/SNRIs. It’s a recipe for a potentially deadly serotonin syndrome!

• Mixing with 25x-NBOMe and 25x-NBOH can result in over-stimulation leading to panic attacks, seizures, spinning thoughts, high blood pressure, vasoconstriction, and in extreme cases, heart failure.

• If you’re using stimulants, don’t take tramadol. Both can cause strokes, doubling the risk.

• Other harmful combinations can’t be ruled out, as there’s no scientific data on interactions.