Designer drugs on the internet: a phenomenon out-of-control? the emergence of hallucinogenic drug Bromo-Dragonfly

Curr Clin Pharmacol. 2011 May;6(2):125-9. doi: 10.2174/157488411796151129.

Abstract

Based on the material available in both the scientific literature and on the web, the present paper provides an updated pharmacological, chemical, toxicological and behavioural overview of Bromo-Dragonfly (1-(8-bromobenzo[1,2-b;4,5-b']difuran-4-yl)-2-aminopropane; 'B-fly'). B-Fly is a powerful, long lasting, LSD-like, hallucinogenic drug, which has been associated with a number of acute intoxications and fatalities in a number of countries. A critical discussion of the potential of misuse of B-fly but also of the methodological limitations, which are intrinsically associated with the analysis of online, non-peer reviewed, material, is presented. It is concluded that the availability of online information on novel psychoactive drugs, such as B-fly, may constitute a public health challenge. Better international collaboration levels may be needed to tackle this novel and fast growing phenomenon.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bromobenzoates / adverse effects*
  • Designer Drugs / adverse effects*
  • Drug and Narcotic Control
  • Hallucinogens / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs / adverse effects*
  • Internet*
  • Propylamines / adverse effects*
  • Public Health

Substances

  • 1-(8-bromobenzo(1,2-b;4,5-b')difuran-4-yl)-2-aminopropane
  • Bromobenzoates
  • Designer Drugs
  • Hallucinogens
  • Illicit Drugs
  • Propylamines