‘Flakka’ New Man-Made Drug More Dangerous Than Cocaine? Dose Difference Critical

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Experts claim a new man-made drug named "Flakka" may be more dangerous than cocaine, a new study has found.

Currently, Flakka is widespread in Florida and across the United States, reports Latinos Post, noting that "the lethal synthetic compound is causing a big stir among users, the likes of which haven't been seen since the crack cocaine epidemic in the 1990s."

Flakka, the Spanish word for "skinny woman," is the most used name for the drug. However, it also has several other names i.e. alphapyrrolidinopentiophenone or Alpha PVP, states Youth Health Magazine.

Another name for the drug is "Gavel" due to its similarities with aquarium gravel, which look like white crystal chunks, according to CNN.

Flakka can be dangerous due to the exact dosage it requires to be high according to Jim Hall, a drug abuse epidemiologist at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdail, Florida.

Hall says, "It's so difficult to control the exact dose [of flakka]. Just a little bit of difference in how much is consumed can be the difference between getting high and dying. It's that critical."

Flakka can be inhaled via smoke, injected or snorted. Overdosing on the drug can lead to extreme symptoms, which experts call "excited delirium."

As a "powerful stimulant," the new drug can cause feelings of euphoria and delirium. Other side effects of the drug include agitation, hallucinations and severe paranoia.

The physical side effects of the drug include: high blood pressure, fast or irregular heartbeat and seizures. Another drastic physical side effect is the extreme increment in body temperature, reaching as high as a reported 108 degrees.

According to Youth Health Magazine, fevers as high as 108 degrees interfere with blood clotting and can lead to uncontrollable bleeding.

The most popular side effect of Flakka is the Hulk-like strength and fury it gives to its users. Though the aforesaid effects of Flakka last several hours only, there are also long-term effects.

The synthetic drug stays on the brain longer than cocaine and has an increased chance of destroying the neurons in the brain, according to Hall, who noted that "neurological effects can be permanent."

Aside from the brain, the man-made drug can also affect the kidneys since high temperatures in the body can cause muscles to break down in the said organ.

According to CNN, "experts worry that some survivors of Flakka overdoses may be on dialysis for the rest of their life."

There are two reasons the drug has become so popular. First, Flakka is sold at only $3 to $5 a pop, making it cheaper than cocaine. Second, Flakka has not been banned in the country totally, aside from a temporary ban placed on the drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration.