14 November 2024 14:45
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Is Flakka called a zombie drug? And what are other names for these drugs?
12 December 2024 19:40
Is Flakka called a zombie drug? And what are other names for these drugs?
Flakka is a synthetic drug belonging to the cathinone class, also known as synthetic cathinones or stimulants. It was first synthesized in the 1960s but only recently received more attention due to its alleged extreme and dangerous effects.
Although there have been many sensational reports in the media regarding Flakka and its use, it is important to note that it is not scientifically classified as a "zombie drug." The idea of a zombie drug usually implies a substance that would put people into a zombie-like state, where they have no control over their behavior. However, such claims are often exaggerated and not based on scientific evidence.
Flakka is also known by various other names, depending on the region and the source. Some of these names are:
1. Alpha-PVP: This is the chemical name of Flakka and is often used in scientific literature or in legal references.
2. GravelThis term is sometimes used because of the crystalline appearance of Flakka, which resembles small stones or gravel.
3. Bath saltsAlthough Flakka is not strictly speaking bath salt, it is sometimes referred to as such due to the similarity in appearance and packaging to legal products such as bath salts.
NB: Flakka and other synthetic cathinones can be extremely dangerous. These drugs can have serious side effects, including psychotic symptoms, aggression, high body temperature, heart problems, and even death.
1 Answer
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4 November 2025 12:17
Flakka is indeed sometimes referred to as a zombie drug, but this is primarily a media term that is not scientifically substantiated. The term stems from a few cases in which users exhibited extremely aggressive and disorienting behavior, prompting comparisons to zombies.
Flakka is essentially the street name for alpha-PVP (alpha-pyrolidinopaleophenone), a synthetic cathinone belonging to the group of new psychoactive substances (NPS). It was first synthesized in the 1960s but remained undetected for decades until it appeared on the illegal drug market around 2010.
The extreme behavioral changes reported by some users were likely the result of psychotic reactions caused by the strong stimulating effects of the drug. At high doses, flakka can cause severe sympathomimetic effects, including paranoia, hallucinations, hyperthermia, and cardiovascular problems. This can indeed lead to irrational and aggressive behavior, but this is not a unique characteristic of flakka.
Flakka is known by various names. In addition to alpha-PVP and flakka, it is also called gravel due to its crystalline form, and is sometimes incorrectly referred to as bath salt, although chemically it does not belong to that group. In some regions, variants such as alpha-PHIP and alpha-PHP are also in circulation.
It is important to emphasize that all synthetic cathinones are seriously dangerous. They have a narrow therapeutic window, which means that the difference between an active dose and a toxic dose is small. They can have serious physical consequences such as cardiac arrhythmias, kidney failure, and hyperthermia, to which even young, healthy people can die. Furthermore, they can cause strong psychological dependence and trigger psychotic disorders.