The market situation for 3-FMA, a designer drug and research chemical, has seen fluctuations in recent years. This compound, known for its stimulating properties, is often sought after by individuals looking for novel psychoactive substances.Online vendors have played a significant role in the distribution of 3-FMA. It is readily available for purchase on various online platforms, making it accessible to a global audience. Sellers and vendors often market it as a research chemical, exploiting legal loopholes to make it available for sale.However, the market for 3-FMA can be unpredictable. Regulatory authorities in several countries have taken steps to control and schedule this compound due to safety concerns and its potential for misuse. This has led to periodic disruptions in the supply chain, impacting both sellers and buyers.Prospective buyers must exercise caution and stay informed about the legal status of 3-FMA in their respective regions. While it remains available for sale through specific channels, its future market situation may be subject to further regulatory changes, potentially affecting its availability and distribution. Researchers and consumers alike should stay vigilant and informed about the evolving landscape of designer drugs and research chemicals.
Contents
- 1 Summary
- 2 Chemistry
- 3 Pharmacology
- 4 Subjective effects
- 5 Toxicity
- 6 Legal status
- 7 FAQ
- 7.1 1. What is 3-FMA?
- 7.2 2. What are the effects of 3-FMA?
- 7.3 3. Is 3-FMA legal?
- 7.4 4. Is 3-FMA safe to use?
- 7.5 5. What are the potential risks of using 3-FMA?
- 7.6 6. Can I use 3-FMA recreationally?
- 7.7 7. How should I determine a safe dosage of 3-FMA?
- 7.8 8. Is 3-FMA addictive?
- 7.9 9. Are there any known dangerous interactions with 3-FMA?
- 8 References
Summary
3-Fluoromethamphetamine, commonly referred to as 3-FMA, belongs to the category of newly developed synthetic compounds known for their entactogenic and stimulant effects. Its emergence in the designer drug scene followed the introduction of 3-FEA and added to a family of structurally related fluorinated amphetamines, including predecessors like 2-FMA, 3-FA, 4-FMA, and 4-FA.
The specific pharmacological, toxicological, and subjective effects of 3-FMA in humans remain relatively uncharted territory. Initial accounts tentatively classify 3-FMA as a moderately potent serotonin-focused triple monoamine releaser, potentially accompanied by reuptake inhibition, resulting in a relatively brief amalgamation of entactogenic and stimulant sensations. However, it’s essential to approach this compound with caution, as its potential neurotoxic, cardiotoxic, and undiscovered adverse effects raise concerns.
The recreational use of 3-FMA is relatively nascent and has yet to be reported on street markets. Instead, it has surfaced recently within the gray market, where it is marketed as a research chemical through online vendors. This emergence coincides with regulatory efforts to control the popular entactogenic stimulant, 4-FA.
Given its potent psychostimulant properties, potential for habituation, and uncharted toxicity profile, users are strongly advised to implement rigorous harm reduction practices when considering the use of this substance. Vigilance and responsible experimentation are paramount in navigating the uncertain terrain of novel synthetic compounds like 3-FMA.
Identifiers | |
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IUPAC name | |
CAS Number | 1182818-14-9 |
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PubChem CID | 58216164 |
ChemSpider | 27050449 |
UNII | E5356E50BR |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID20728951 |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C10H14FN |
Molar mass | 167.227 g·mol−1 |
Chemistry
3-Fluoromethamphetamine, denoted as 3-FMA, falls within the synthetic amphetamine family. This family of compounds shares a fundamental phenethylamine structure, characterized by a phenyl ring fused to an amino (NH2) group via a methyl chain, with an additional methyl substitution at the Rα position. This structural modification, referred to as alpha-methylation, is a defining feature of amphetamines. Notably, 3-FMA is the fluorinated analog of methamphetamine situated at the 3-position, imparting distinct properties to this compound. Furthermore, it is a positional isomer of 2-FMA and 4-FMA.
Pharmacology
Regarding its pharmacology, our understanding still needs to be completed due to a lack of comprehensive research. However, current speculation suggests that akin to other substituted amphetamines with substitutions in analogous positions, 3-FMA likely operates as a triple-releasing agent. This implies its capacity to enhance the release of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine – three key neurotransmitters that play pivotal roles in the brain’s functioning and signaling pathways. Further in-depth research is required to elucidate the precise mechanisms and effects of 3-FMA.
Subjective effects
Disclaimer: The following effects are based on anecdotal user reports and personal analyses from contributors at PsychonautWiki and, therefore, should be approached with a degree of skepticism.
It’s important to note that these effects may not manifest consistently or predictably. Higher doses are more likely to encompass the full spectrum of products, but they also bring a higher risk of adverse outcomes, including addiction, severe injury, or even death ☠. Early reports suggest that 3-FMA exhibits an effect profile that falls between 4-FMA and 2-FMA, blending the functional aspects of 2-FMA with the euphoric qualities of 4-FMA. At lower doses, users have reported a more practical and productive experience, while increasing the dosage tends to enhance both euphoria and distraction.[citation needed]
Physical:
- Stimulation
- Tactile Enhancement: Typically more prominent at higher doses and less common at lower to medium quantities.
- Physical Euphoria
- Dehydration
- Appetite Suppression
- Increased Heart Rate
- Increased Perspiration
- Teeth Grinding: Often less intense compared to MDMA and 2-FMA.
After:
The effects during the “comedown” phase, which occurs as the stimulant effects wane, are generally less pleasant and may include:
- Anxiety
- Cognitive Fatigue
- Depression
- Irritability
- Motivation Suppression
- Wakefulness
Cognitive:
- Cognitive Euphoria
- Thought Acceleration
- Focus Enhancement
- Anxiety Suppression
- Wakefulness
- Analysis Enhancement
- Motivation Enhancement
- Compulsive Redosing
- Increased Music Appreciation: Mainly reported at higher doses, as lower to medium amounts of 3-FMA tend to enhance focus and productivity.
- Time Distortion: The perception of time passing more quickly than usual.
Toxicity
Disclaimer: The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational 3-FMA use have not been scientifically studied, and the exact toxic dosage remains unknown. This is primarily due to the relatively recent emergence of 3-FMA in mid-2017, leaving little time for comprehensive research. Anecdotal evidence from community members who have experimented with 3-FMA suggests that using it sparingly at low to moderate doses by itself may not yield significant adverse health effects. However, absolute safety cannot be guaranteed.
Given its potential serotonin-releasing and entactogenic properties, it is plausible that 3-FMA might exhibit excessive activity at the 5-HT2b receptor, which could result in cardiotoxicity with prolonged use, similar to other 5-HT2b agonists like fenfluramine and MDMA.
It’s worth noting that in the field of medicinal chemistry, fluorine substitution is often considered advantageous in central nervous system pharmaceutical agents due to the increased lipophilicity it imparts.
To promote safety, it is strongly advised to employ harm reduction practices when using this substance.
Tolerance and Addiction Potential:
Although further research is needed, chronic use of 3-FMA may be moderately addictive and carry a high potential for abuse, potentially leading to psychological dependence in some users. When dependence or addiction develops, users may experience cravings and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation.
Tolerance to many of 3-FMA’s effects can develop with repeated use, requiring larger doses to achieve the same impact. Patience typically takes 3 – 7 days to decrease by half and 1 – 10 days to return to baseline after discontinuing use. Additionally, 3-FMA exhibits cross-tolerance with all dopaminergic and serotonergic stimulants and entactogens, meaning that its use can reduce the effects of other stimuli (even unexpected ones, like MDMA or amphetamine) due to its reliance on dopamine and norepinephrine for its full euphoric impact.
Psychosis:
Prolonged, high-dose abuse of amphetamine-class compounds can potentially lead to stimulant psychosis, characterized by symptoms such as paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions. Treatment for amphetamine-induced psychosis may require antipsychotic medications, though complete recovery can vary (with 5–15% of users failing to recover fully).
Dangerous Interactions:
Combining psychoactive substances, even those considered safe individually, can become hazardous and life-threatening. The interactions listed below pose known risks (though not an exhaustive list), and independent research is advised to ensure safe consumption:
- Alcohol: Combining with stimulants can lead to excessive drinking, liver damage, and dehydration.
- GHB/GBL: Stimulants may increase the risk of respiratory arrest when combined with depressants like GHB/GBL.
- Opioids: Stimulants can raise the dose of opioids, potentially causing respiratory arrest when the stimulant effect wears off.
- Cocaine: Combined with amphetamines, this may lead to cardiac issues, particularly with 5-HT2B activation.
- Cannabis: Stimulants can heighten anxiety, thought loops, and paranoia.
- Caffeine: This combination may strain the heart and cause anxiety.
- Tramadol: Both substances can increase the risk of seizures.
- DXM: Both raise heart rate, with panic attacks potentially leading to more severe heart problems.
- Ketamine: Combining with amphetamine may result in psychoses resembling schizophrenia.
- PCP and Methoxetamine: These can increase the risk of tachycardia, hypertension, and manic states.
- Psychedelics: Combining with stimulants may lead to anxiety, paranoia, and thought loops.
- MAOIs: Inhibitors can unpredictably enhance phenethylamines’ potency and duration, with potential hypertensive crises.
Legal status
Here is an overview of the legal status of 3-FMA in various countries:
- Canada: In Canada, 3-FMA is classified as a Schedule I substance due to its analog status relative to amphetamine.
- China: As of October 2015, China has classified 3-FMA as a controlled substance.
- Germany: In Germany, 3-FMA is regulated under the Narcotics Act (Anlage I BtMG, Schedule I) since December 13, 2014. It is illegal to manufacture, possess, import, export, buy, sell, procure, or dispense without the appropriate license.
- New Zealand: 3-FMA, being an amphetamine analog, is categorized as a Schedule 3 controlled substance in New Zealand.
- Switzerland: In Switzerland, 3-FMA is explicitly listed as a controlled substance under Verzeichnis E.
- Turkey: 3-FMA is classified as a drug in Turkey, and its possession, production, supply, or import is illegal.
- United Kingdom: Within the United Kingdom, 3-FMA is designated as a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, mainly due to its amphetamine analog status.
- United States: In the United States, 3-FMA may potentially be considered an analog of amphetamine under the Federal Analogue Act. This act allows substances that are substantially similar to illegal drugs listed in Schedule I or II to be treated as such, but only if they are intended for human consumption.
FAQ
1. What is 3-FMA?
3-FMA, or 3-fluoromethamphetamine, is a synthetic compound belonging to the amphetamine class of molecules. It is structurally related to amphetamines and is known for its stimulant properties.
2. What are the effects of 3-FMA?
The effects of 3-FMA can include stimulation, increased alertness, physical euphoria, and enhanced focus. It may also lead to cognitive delight, reduced anxiety, and motivation enhancement. However, its specific effects can vary depending on the individual and dosage.
3. Is 3-FMA legal?
The legal status of 3-FMA varies by country and region. It is considered a controlled substance in some places, while in others, it may exist in a legal grey area. Always research and understand the laws regarding 3-FMA in your specific location before considering its use.
4. Is 3-FMA safe to use?
The safety of 3-FMA has not been extensively studied, and its long-term health effects are largely unknown. Like many psychoactive substances, it carries potential risks, including addiction and adverse reactions. It is strongly recommended to exercise caution and harm reduction practices if you choose to use it.
5. What are the potential risks of using 3-FMA?
The use of 3-FMA may lead to various risks, including addiction, cardiovascular effects, and psychological dependence. There is also a potential for adverse interactions when combined with other substances. The full extent of its risks is still not well understood.
6. Can I use 3-FMA recreationally?
Recreational use of 3-FMA is possible, but it should be approached with caution. Due to its potential risks and uncertain effects, it is essential to use harm-reduction practices, start with low doses, and avoid frequent or excessive use.
7. How should I determine a safe dosage of 3-FMA?
Determining a safe dosage of 3-FMA can be challenging, as individual tolerance and sensitivity vary. If you choose to use it, start with a low dose and gradually increase it while monitoring your body’s response. Always avoid high doses.
8. Is 3-FMA addictive?
Like many stimulants, 3-FMA may have addictive potential, especially with chronic and high-dose use. Dependence and cravings can develop, making it essential to use it sparingly and be aware of any signs of addiction.
9. Are there any known dangerous interactions with 3-FMA?
Yes, 3-FMA may have dangerous interactions with other substances, including alcohol, GHB/GBL, opioids, cocaine, cannabis, caffeine, tramadol, DXM, ketamine, PCP, methoxetamine, and various psychedelics. Combining 3-FMA with these substances can pose serious health risks.
References
- Rösner, P., Quednow, B., Girreser, U., Junge, T. (March 2005). “Isomeric Fluoro-methoxy-phenyl alkylamines: a new series of controlled-substance analogs (designer drugs).” Forensic Science International. 148 (2–3): 143–156. doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2004.05.003. ISSN 0379-0738.
- Smart, B. E. (1 June 2001). “Fluorine substituent effects (on bioactivity).” Journal of Fluorine Chemistry. 109 (1): 3–11. doi:10.1016/S0022-1139(01)00375-X. ISSN 0022-1139.
- Shoptaw, S. J., Kao, U., Ling, W. (21 January 2009). Cochrane Drugs and Alcohol Group, ed. “Treatment for amphetamine psychosis.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003026.pub3. ISSN 1465-1858.
- Hofmann, F. G. (1983). A handbook on drug and alcohol abuse: the biomedical aspects (2nd ed ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780195030563.
- FDA Label Information: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/021303s026lbl.pdf
- Greenwald, M. K., Lundahl, L. H., Steinmiller, C. L. (December 2010). “Sustained Release d-Amphetamine Reduces Cocaine but not ‘Speedball’-Seeking in Buprenorphine-Maintained Volunteers: A Test of Dual-Agonist Pharmacotherapy for Cocaine/Heroin Polydrug Abusers.” Neuropsychopharmacology. 35 (13): 2624–2637. doi:10.1038/npp.2010.175. ISSN 0893-133X.
- Siciliano, C. A., Saha, K., Calipari, E. S., Fordahl, S. C., Chen, R., Khoshbouei, H., Jones, S. R. (10 January 2018). “Amphetamine Reverses Escalated Cocaine Intake via Restoration of Dopamine Transporter Conformation.” The Journal of Neuroscience. 38 (2): 484–497. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2604-17.2017. ISSN 0270-6474.
- Krystal, J. H., Perry, E. B., Gueorguieva, R., Belger, A., Madonick, S. H., Abi-Dargham, A., Cooper, T. B., MacDougall, L., Abi-Saab, W., D’Souza, D. C. (1 September 2005). “Comparative and Interactive Human Psychopharmacologic Effects of Ketamine and Amphetamine: Implications for Glutamatergic and Dopaminergic Model Psychoses and Cognitive Function.” Archives of General Psychiatry. 62 (9): 985. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.62.9.985. ISSN 0003-990X.
- Branch, L. S. (2022), Consolidated federal laws of Canada, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
- China FDA – 关于印发《非药用类麻醉药品和精神药品列管办法》的通知 | http://www.sfda.gov.cn/WS01/CL0056/130753.html
- Germany – “Anlage I BtMG” (in German). Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz. Retrieved December 19, 2019.
- Germany – “Achtundzwanzigste Verordnung zur Änderung betäubungsmittelrechtlicher Vorschriften” (in German). Bundesanzeiger Verlag. Retrieved December 19, 2019.
- Germany – “§ 29 BtMG” (in German). Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz. Retrieved December 19, 2019.
- New Zealand – Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 No 116 (as of 01 July 2022), Public Act – New Zealand Legislation.
- Switzerland – “Verordnung des EDI über die Verzeichnisse der Betäubungsmittel, psychotropen Stoffe, Vorläuferstoffe und Hilfschemikalien” (in German). Bundeskanzlei [Federal Chancellery of Switzerland]. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
- Turkey – Başbakanlık Mevzuatı Geliştirme ve Yayın Genel Müdürlüğü.
- Turkey – https://resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2014/01/20140125-3-1.pdf
- United Kingdom – Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.