Benzo Fury

Benzo Fury

 

What is Benzo Fury?

 

Products sold as ‘Benzo Fury’ usually contain the chemical 6-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran (6-APB) or 5-APB, but it is difficult to differentiate between 6-APB and 5-APB with standard analytic methods. Little is known about the pharmacological or toxicological differences between the two, if any.

 

6-APB is an analogue of the class A drug MDA and has similar effects to MDMA (Ecstasy).

 

The name comes from the benzofuran ring in the chemical structure and should not be confused with benzodiazepines, which are minor tranquillisers.

 

History

 

Benzofuran substances were originally researched in the early 1990s as potential antidepressant and therapy-enabling drugs.

 

The law

 

As of 10 June 2014, benzofurans are Class B drugs.

 

Appearance

 

Benzo fury can be sold in pill, gel capsule, pellet or white or tan grainy powder form. The powder form generally appears to be sold under the chemical name 6-APB.

 

Methods of use

 

Benzo Fury is often consumed orally, either by swallowing pills, pellets or capsules, wrapping powder in a cigarette paper (bombing) or by mixing in a soft drink. The powder form can be snorted (although reportedly nasal use can be painful).

 

Effects/risks

 

Users report feelings of excitement, euphoria, empathy, stimulation and increased energy, with visual and auditory hallucinations. Unpleasant physical side effects can include increased heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature, chest pains and palpitations, difficulty urinating, liver damage, nausea and vomiting and headaches. Unpleasant mental side effects can include anxiety, paranoia, panic, confusion, poor concentration and short term memory.

 

The effects of Benzo Fury tend to peak within 2-3 hours from an oral dose and then plateau for an average period of 4 hours. Coming down is described by users as gradual but with effects having the potential to last up to 14 hours or more from the initial dose.

 

After effects can be felt up to 24 hours or more, during this time users may find it difficult to sleep. Like other stimulants some users report experiencing low mood or flu-like symptoms and general tiredness/lethargy a day or two after use.