Flakka is the street name for alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (alpha-PVP), a man‑made stimulant in a group of drugs called synthetic cathinones. These drugs are chemically related to cathinone, a naturally occurring stimulant found in the khat plant, which has been chewed for centuries in parts of East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula for its energizing effects.(Source)

Synthetic cathinones like flakka are part of a broader family of substances known as phenethylamines, which also includes amphetamines and MDMA (ecstasy). They are designed in laboratories to mimic or intensify the effects of drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA.(Source)

Flakka began appearing in U.S. emergency departments around 2014–2015, when hospitals reported clusters of patients with extreme agitation, aggression, paranoia, hallucinations, and violent or bizarre behavior. Many of these cases involved a condition called excited delirium, which can be life‑threatening.(Source)

Alpha-PVP was first synthesized in the 1960s and later appeared on the illicit market as a so‑called “designer drug.” It is now classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, meaning it has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.(Source)

Flakka is typically sold as white or pink crystals or powder. It may be:

• Smoked
• Vaped using an e‑cigarette or vape pen
• Snorted
• Injected
• Swallowed in capsules or tablets

No route of use is safe. Vaping or smoking flakka can be especially risky because the dose is difficult to control, and the drug reaches the brain very quickly, increasing the risk of overdose and sudden medical complications.(Source)

Flakka is often mixed with or sold as other drugs, including cocaine, MDMA, methamphetamine, or opioids. People may use it intentionally as a cheaper alternative to these substances, or they may take it unknowingly in contaminated or mislabeled products. This unpredictability significantly increases the risk of overdose, psychosis, and death.(Source)

Most flakka and other synthetic cathinones are produced in clandestine laboratories, often overseas, and then shipped into the United States. Because these drugs are not regulated or manufactured under any quality standards, the actual ingredients and potency can vary widely from batch to batch. Two products sold under the same street name may contain completely different chemicals, making it nearly impossible for users to know what they are taking or how strong it is.(Source)