2F-DCK

Description

2F-DCK is a ketamine analogue in which the chlorine atom in ketamine's structure is replaced with a fluorine atom. It's one of a wave of "ketamine replacement" research chemicals that appeared on the market alongside deschloroketamine (DCK) and others, partly in response to tighter controls on ketamine and MXE. It was first formally notified to the EU's early warning system (EMCDDA) in 2016. Chemically and in effect it's described as very close to ketamine, though because it hasn't been anywhere near as well studied, users report more variability in potency and duration between batches.

Pharmacology

2F-DCK is an arylcyclohexylamine, structurally very close to ketamine, and is assumed to act similarly as an NMDA receptor antagonist but this hasn't been formally confirmed in humans. 2-FDCK contains a chiral centre and thus 2 enantiomers may exist ((R)/(S)) but data on composition in drug markets are limited at present. After administration 2- FDCK undergoes extensive hepatic biotransformation with an in-vitro half life around 70 minutes. It is not known whether its metabolites are themselves psychoactive. 2-FDCK shows less protein binding and predicted lipophilicity than Ketamine

Animal studies and user reports suggest it is at least as potent as Ketamine with evidence suggesting it is slightly stronger (up to approximately 1.5x) with similar abuse potential. There's very little published pharmacokinetic or toxicological data overall with most of what exists comes from a handful of forensic case reports and a small number of animal studies.

Harm Reduction

• Start low, go slow, and don't assume it behaves exactly like ketamine. Potency and duration have been reported to vary noticeably between batches/sources, so treat an unfamiliar batch cautiously even if you're an experienced ketamine user.
• Don't use alone, for the same reasons as with any dissociative. If you become unresponsive or lose motor control, you need someone there.
• Avoid mixing with alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, or other CNS depressants, which raises the risk of loss of consciousness and respiratory depression.
• If someone becomes unresponsive: recovery position, monitor breathing, call emergency services.
• Get it checked if you can. As an unregulated research chemical, what's sold as 2F-DCK may not be, or may be mixed with other substances. UK drug-checking services such as WEDINOS (https://www.wedinos.wales) can test samples.

History

2F-DCK emerged on the novel psychoactive substance market and was first formally notified in the EU in 2016 as one of dozens of new substances flagged that year. It's continued to circulate since, often marketed as a ketamine substitute where ketamine has been harder to obtain or where users are seeking something not yet individually named in drug legislation. It has also drawn some interest in preclinical psychiatric research: an animal study exploring ketamine analogues for depression reported effects of interest in a rodent model, though this is early-stage research and doesn't establish anything about safety in humans using it recreationally.

Law

• Class B
• Schedule 1

Possible offences

• Possession
  • Maximum sentence – 5 years/fine/both
• Possession With Intent To Supply
  • Maximum sentence – 14 years/fine/both
• Supply (including being concerned in supply, conspiracy to supply, aggravated supply and offer to supply)
  • Maximum sentence – 14 years/fine/both
• Production
  • Maximum sentence – 14 years/fine/both

In practice maximum sentences are rarely used, for more detailed and accurate information go to our sentencing page.