Skip to content

A First-in-Man Study with 4-Fluoroamphetamine Demonstrates it Produces a Mild Psychedelic State

Kim P. C. Kuypers, E. B. de Sousa Fernandes Perna, Eef L. Theunissen, Stefan W. Toennes, Natasha L. Mason, Nadia R. P. W. Hutten, Johannes G. Ramaekers

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs January 24, 2019 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2019.1569286 (opens in new tab)

Relevant Not relevant

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Placebo-controlled two-way crossover study Peer reviewed
Sample size 12
Population Healthy poly-drug users
Intervention 4-fluoroamphetamine (4-FA)
Duration 12 hours post-administration
Topics MDMA Psilocybin
Keywords Amphetamine Hallucinogen Placebo Consciousness Altered state Drug administration Pharmacology Dopamine
Citations 13
Key points 4-FA induces a mild psychedelic state that peaks at one hour post-administration and correlates with serum concentrations, with no effect on creative thinking.

Abstract

The phenethylamine 4-fluoroamphetamine (4-FA) is a so-called novel psychoactive substance with a chemical structure resembling that of amphetamine and MDMA. Since 4-FA users report their subjective experience ranges between the effects induced by amphetamine and MDMA, and it is known that both substances can produce an altered state of consciousness, this study tests whether 4-FA induces a psychedelic state. A placebo-controlled two-way crossover study in 12 healthy poly-drug users was conducted to test subjective and behavioral effects of 4-FA. 4-FA concentrations were determined in serum up to 12 hours after administration and a series of questionnaires and the picture concept test were administered between one hour and 11 hours post-administration. Findings showed that 4-FA induced a psychedelic state which was highest one hour after 4-FA administration, at peak 4-FA serum concentrations. The 4-FA-induced psychedelic state decreased over time and was in general associated with the decreasing 4-FA serum concentrations. There was no 4-FA-induced change in creative (flexible) thinking. It is concluded that while the 4-FA-induced psychedelic state is mild in intensity and in between that produced by amphetamine and MDMA as hypothesized, more research is needed to indicate whether 4-FA can change creative thinking.

Comparable studies

Other randomized controlled trials on MDMA, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
MDMA-assisted therapy for severe PTSD: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study. Patients with severe PTSD, including those with comorbidities such as dissociation,... 2021 Randomized controlled trial n = 90
The safety and efficacy of {+/-}3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted psychotherapy in subjects with chronic, treatment-resistant posttraumatic stress disorder: the first randomized controlled pilot study. Patients with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder refractory to both psychotherapy... 2010 Randomized controlled trial n = 20
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans, firefighters, and police officers: a randomised, double-blind, dose-response, phase 2 clinical trial. Military veterans and first responders aged 18 or older with chronic PTSD lasting 6... 2018 Randomized, double-blind, dose-response, phase 2 clinical trial n = 26
A randomized, controlled pilot study of MDMA (±3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine)-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of resistant, chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Patients with treatment-resistant PTSD 2012 Randomized controlled trial n = 12
MDMA-assisted therapy for moderate to severe PTSD: a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. Adults with moderate to severe post-traumatic stress disorder 2023 Randomized controlled trial n = 104

Citations in the library

Cited by 8

and 3 more in the library

Cites 23

and 18 more in the library

Related reading

Explore topics

MDMA Psilocybin Altered states of consciousness Mystical experience Philosophy of mind