2-Fluorodeschloroketamine (2-FDCK) is a synthetic designer drug that is abused as a recreational substance and can be purchased online in many parts of the world. 2-FDCK is chemically similar to ketamine and PCP, and causes similar dissociative and hallucinogenic effects. As use of the drug has become more widespread in recent years, concerns about public health and safety have increased. [1][2]
- 2-FDCK is a drug that is similar to ketamine and PCP in chemical structure and effects, and has become more commonly abused in the past decade.
- 2-FDCK is illegal in the United States, but can be purchased online in many other countries around the world as a research chemical.
- More research is needed to fully understand the risks of 2-FDCK, but a growing number of cases involving overdose suggest the drug is dangerous, and in some cases, even fatal.
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What is 2-FDCK
2-FDCK is a designer drug that is abused for its mind- and mood-altering effects. 2-FDCK belongs to a class of drugs known as arylcyclohexylamines, which also includes drugs like PCP and ketamine. 2-FDCK was first synthesized in 1987 and emerged as a drug of abuse in Europe and North America between 2014 and 2015. [1]
Like other designer drugs, 2-FDCK is commonly sold online as a ‘research chemical’, which is a designation used in an attempt to skirt laws and regulations. In the United States, 2-FDCK is illegal to buy, possess, sell, or distribute, but it can be easily purchased online in many other parts of the world. [2]
2-FDCK vs. Ketamine
2-FDCK is a ketamine derivative that has a similar chemical structure and causes similar psychoactive effects. Like many designer drugs sold online, 2-FDCK is a synthetic analog that has a slightly altered structure compared to a parent drug, which is, in this case, ketamine. While 2-FDCK and ketamine are similarly formulated, there are important differences in their risk and safety profiles. [2]
Ketamine is a well-established, FDA-approved drug that has been used as an anesthetic in humans and veterinary medicine for decades. A derivative of ketamine, esketamine (Spravato), was FDA-approved in 2019 for treatment-resistant depression, and ketamine itself is used off-label for depression and has a demonstrated safety and efficacy profile. Large-scale, double-blind research trials have been conducted to identify risks and adverse effects of ketamine, unlike 2-FDCK. Ketamine’s status as an FDA-approved drug also means that it is regulated for quality and safety, unlike 2-FDCK. Because 2-FDCK is unregulated, people who purchase the drug face much higher risks of contamination, poisoning, inaccurate dosing, or unverified ingredients. [1]
Mechanism
2-FDCK is a ketamine analog that has a similar mechanism of action and causes similar effects. Like other arylcyclohexylamines, 2-FDCK works primarily on NMDA receptors in the brain to produce mind- and mood-altering effects. Other receptors influenced by this drug include dopamine, serotonin, GABA, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine. [3]
How 2-FDCK is used
2-FDCK is commonly sold as a crystal or powder substance that is snorted or ingested orally. Less commonly, there have been reports of people injecting the drug intramuscularly or taking it rectally or sublingually. Most people obtain 2-FDCK online, where it is reportedly sold for as little as $12 per gram. [2] The ease of access and affordability of this drug contribute to growing risks about potential harms associated with its use.
2-FDCK effects
2-FDCK produces hallucinogenic effects that cause distortions and changes in thinking, mood, and perception. 2-FDCK also has strong dissociative effects, and most users also report feeling detached or separated from their body, senses, or environment after consuming the drug. [3]
Users of 2-FDCK often report the following effects: [2][3]
- Impaired consciousness.
- Slurred speech.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Feeling detached from the body.
- Feeling dissociated from the present moment.
- Visual hallucinations.
- Changes in perception of space and time.
- Distorted thinking.
- Slowed cognition and thinking.
- Feelings of euphoria.
- Feelings of relaxation.
- Sedation or drowsiness.
- Impaired motor functioning and coordination.
- Slowed responses and reflexes.
Known risks and harms
Like many other designer drugs, 2-FDCK has only recently emerged as a substance of abuse. Online reports indicate that the drug was first detected by authorities around 2016, with recreational use gradually increasing since that time. 2-FDCK is marketed as a research chemical rather than a medically approved pharmaceutical, and there is limited research on its effects and safety profile. As a result, the potential risks and harms associated with 2-FDCK use aren’t fully understood. [1][2]
Most of the current information regarding adverse effects and dangers of 2-FDCK comes from individual emergency room case reports and toxicology findings in which the drug was detected. Additional concerns are inferred from chemically similar drugs like ketamine and PCP, though these effects have not been directly studied in relation to 2-FDCK. More research is needed to better understand the full range of health risks associated with its use.
Some of the reported or suspected risks of 2-FDCK include: [1][2]
- Potential for abuse, addiction, and dependence.
- Chest pain, arrhythmias, or tachycardia.
- Increased blood pressure.
- Abdominal pain or tenderness.
- Muscle rigidity or tension.
- Urinary tract issues.
- Increased risk of falls and accidents.
- Respiratory issues or respiratory depression.
- Seizures or tics.
- Stupor, loss of consciousness, or coma.
- Paranoia, anxiety, or dysphoria.
- Mental confusion or disorientation.
- Dysphoria or depressed mood.
Contaminants, purity and dose inconsistencies
Because 2-FDCK is largely unregulated, there is no quality or safety assurance for consumers who purchase this drug online. It is possible that users may receive a different drug entirely, or that the drug they ordered is contaminated with other chemicals or toxic fillers. Also, there is no assurance that the advertised dose is accurate, and users might receive a drug that is either much weaker or stronger than expected. [1]
This lack of regulation and quality assurance increases the risk for:
- Accidental overdose.
- Poisoning or exposure to toxic contaminants.
- Ingestion of another unknown drug or compound.
- Serious side effects or drug interactions.
- Inconsistent doses.
Addiction and abuse potential
The specific addictive potential of 2-FDCK is largely speculative, as there are no large-scale studies that have explored what percentage of users become addicted. The data that exists comes primarily from emergency medical case studies, which lack sufficient patient follow-up.
Even though there is a lack of data on 2-FDCK, many experts believe that there is a significant abuse and addiction potential related to this drug, as well as a number of serious health risks. For this reason, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently issued a temporary scheduling order to classify 2-FDCK as a Schedule I controlled substance. [5]
Schedule I substances are those that have no approved medical use, carry a significant risk for abuse and addiction, and are likely to cause significant harm to individuals. In most cases, 2-FDCK is reported to be abused in combination with other drugs, including stimulants and opiates. This polysubstance use pattern increases the risk for addiction and can complicate treatment, particularly in the early detox and withdrawal stages. [1]
Signs of drug abuse and addiction
There are many signs that can indicate someone is struggling with an addiction to drugs, including changes in mood and behavior. Here are some of the signs and symptoms that licensed professionals look for when diagnosing a substance use disorder: [4]
- Using a drug in higher doses or more often than intended.
- Increased time using, obtaining, or recovering from effects of a drug.
- Inability to stop, control, or moderate drug use.
- Strong urges or cravings to use.
- Health or mental health problems resulting from use.
- Problems in important relationships resulting from use.
- Inability to meet expectations at work, school, or home because of use.
- Giving up social or leisure activities to use more often.
- Using drugs in situations where it is risky or hazardous.
- Needing to use more because of increased tolerance to a drug.
- Experiencing physical or psychological withdrawal when cutting back or stopping.
2-FDCK detection
2-FDCK may not show up on standard drug tests. Most of the research involving confirmed cases of toxicity and overdoses has been conducted using blood analysis conducted by labs. There is no available information on how long 2-FDCK can be detected. [1]
2-FDCK legality
The legality of 2-FDCK depends on the laws and regulations of the country or jurisdiction you live in. In the United States, the DEA recently added 2-FDCK as a Schedule I controlled substance, making it illegal to possess, use, purchase, or distribute. This change happened in response to a growing number of emergency room visits, overdoses, and drug seizures that suggested the abuse of 2-FDCK was widespread enough to pose a significant risk to public health. [1]
In many other countries, 2-FDCK can still be legally purchased online and delivered directly to consumers. The substance is often marketed as a “research chemical” and labeled “not for human consumption” to avoid regulatory oversight. This classification creates a loophole that has allowed 2-FDCK to remain legally accessible online. Often, research chemicals are not formally regulated until their use becomes widespread enough to result in a substantial number of overdoses, medical emergencies, or fatalities. [2]
Treatment and harm reduction
In recent years, there has been a dramatic rise in the abuse of so-called ‘designer drugs’ that are sold online as research chemicals. Some assume these drugs are safe because they are unregulated and easy to access, but this isn’t true.
In fact, the lack of regulation on designer drugs like 2-FDCK makes them less safe for consumers because of a lack of research, testing, and quality assurance. For these reasons, it is never safe to consume drugs like 2-FDCK that are purchased online.
For people who are struggling to stop, professional treatment is often the best option. There are a number of different options, including therapy and/or medication provided in inpatient, residential, or outpatient settings. Scheduling a substance abuse assessment is the best way to become informed about your options.
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