Benzofurans are a group of drugs that speed up messages between the brain and the body. They can make you feel more alert or agitated.
They can come as:
- powders - that people snort or swallow wrapped in cigarette paper (bomb)
- pills or pellets
- on a small piece of paper with pictures on it - called a tab or blotter
Benzofurans were made to mimic the effects of other drugs, such as MDMA. The label or website may call them research chemicals. But this does not mean that they are legal or safe.
Drug category: stimulant
Stimulants speed up messages between the brain and body. They can make you feel alert or energetic. But they can also cause anxiety, paranoia and heart problems.
Drug category: empathogen
Empathogens can make you feel connected with other people (empathetic). But they can also cause overheating, dehydration and mood problems.
They are also called entactogens.
Other names for benzofurans
Other names include: 5-APB, 5-APDB, 5-EAPB, 5-MAPB, 6-APB, 6-APDB, 6-MAPB, 6-MAPDB, benzo fury, white pearl
Effects of benzofurans
The effects of benzofurans can vary depending on:
- your size, weight and sex
- if you have any health conditions or mental health difficulties
- how you take the drug
- the strength of the drug
- how much you take
- if you take alcohol, medicines or other drugs at the same time
- where you take the drug and how you feel before you take it
- if you have taken the drug before and how often
The effects start within 20 to 90 minutes and can last for hours.
How you may feel or behave
You may feel:
- alert or energetic
- talkative
- affectionate
- more aware of colours, sounds and smells
- intense wellbeing or happiness (euphoria)
Effects on your brain and body
Benzofurans can cause:
- dilated pupils
- hallucinations - you may see, hear or feel things that are not there
- teeth grinding or jaw clenching
- flushed skin, increased sweating or overheating
- increased blood pressure and heart rate
- problems sleeping
- headaches
- dry mouth
- eye jitters
- increased sex drive
- loss of appetite
- problems peeing
- heart problems - if you use it often
Benzofurans and mental health
Regular use or high doses of benzofurans can lead to:
- anxiety or panic
- depression
- mood swings or aggression
- paranoia
- psychosis - you have confused thoughts, feelings and behaviour and you do not know what is real or not real
Comedowns
A comedown is how you feel as the drug leaves your system.
Comedowns from benzofurans can last a few days and cause:
- problems sleeping
- low mood or mood swings
- headaches
- paranoia or confusion
- twitching and muscle aches
Benzofurans and dependency
Regular use of benzofurans can cause:
- tolerance - when you need to take more of the drug to get the same effects
- dependency
Signs of dependency can include:
- cravings for a drug
- withdrawal symptoms
- continuing to use a drug even when it causes you harm
If you stop taking benzofurans after regular use, you may get withdrawal symptoms.
How long do benzofurans stay in your system?
It can be hard to know how long benzofurans stay in your system.
There are tests to detect benzofurans. But different types of tests have different detection times.
Things that affect how long a drug stays in your system
The time it takes for a drug to leave your system depends on many things.
For example:
- how much you took
- how often you take the drug
- how strong the drug was
- your age, sex and metabolism
- your general health
Reducing risks from benzofurans
It’s always safest not to take drugs. Some people may have a higher risk of negative effects from benzofurans. For example, if you or someone in your family has heart problems or mental health difficulties.
There are ways to reduce the risk of harm if you use benzofurans. Select a piece of advice to find out more.
Be with people you trust and look out for each other - do not use alone.
Pick a meeting point and know what to do in case of an emergency.
Only take with you what you intend to use.
This is to reduce the risk of taking too much in 1 session.
Some drugs cause a strong urge to take more. You may also lose track of what you take. If you take too much too soon, your body cannot cope.
Start with a small amount and wait 2 hours before you take more.
This is to reduce the risk of an overdose or drug emergency.
The contents or strength of drugs can vary, even in the same batch.
If you start with a small amount, you can:
- see how you react
- stop if you get an effect you did not expect or do not want
It can take up to 2 hours for some effects to happen. If you take too much too soon, it increases your risk.
Consider other ways of using if you put pills or powders in drinks.
Putting crushed pills or powders in drinks increases the risk of taking too much too soon. There is also a risk that someone else could drink them by mistake. Crush and dab a small amount of powder instead.
If you put powers in drinks, use a very small amount and check that the powder dissolves.
Only use 1 substance at a time.
Using benzofurans with alcohol, medicines or other drugs can have unpredictable and negative effects. Mixing drugs is always more risky.
Sip water or sports drinks - but not more than 1 pint an hour.
This is to reduce the risk of dehydration and water intoxication. Benzofurans can increase your body temperature, make you thirsty and stop you peeing.
But if you drink too much water, your body pushes the extra water into your cells. The extra water causes a salt imbalance and swelling in your brain cells.
Take breaks to rest and cool down.
This is to reduce the risk of dehydration and overheating. Benzofurans can increase your body temperature.
If you're dancing when you take benzofurans, take regular breaks. You can put a wet cloth or t-shirt on your forehead if you feel too hot.
Think about your sexual health.
Benzofurans can reduce your inhibitions and increase your sex drive.
There are things you can do to look after yourself and your partners if you could have sex when you take drugs.
Know what to do in case of a challenging experience.
If you know what to do during a challenging experience, it could stop a situation getting worse and help you support someone.
But it is always safest to get medical advice if someone has overwhelming or unexpected effects.
Know what to do in case of a drug emergency.
If you take any kind of drug, it is important to know:
- signs of a drug emergency, including signs related to mental health
- what to do in case of overdose or other emergencies
An overdose can be a life-threatening condition. It happens when someone has too much of a drug or another substance in their system.
Getting help can prevent serious damage or death. Your wellbeing is the main priority.
Find more ways to reduce risks from drugs.
Mixing benzofurans with alcohol or other drugs
Using benzofurans with alcohol, medicines or other drugs can have unpredictable and negative effects.
For example:
- stress on your heart if you use benzofurans with stimulants such as, cocaine
- serotonin syndrome if you use benzofurans with antidepressants or drugs such as MDMA
Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999 if
you or someone else has taken a benzofuran and has:
- chest pain
- a very fast heartbeat
- a seizure (fit)
- a high temperature or hot skin
- muscle spasms
- pain in the hands, arms or legs
- problems breathing
- severe distress, confusion or panic - they cannot calm down and may be a danger to themselves or others
Stay with the person until help arrives.
Tell the medics everything you know about the drug and give them any leftover drug if possible. It will help them decide the right treatment.
If you are worried about benzofuran use
If you are worried about your own or someone else’s use, you can find support. This can be when benzofuran use affects your health, relationships, work or other areas of your life.
Non-urgent advice: Drugs and alcohol helpline
You can contact the helpline for support, information or advice on treatment and support options.
Freephone: 1800 459 459
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm
Email: helpline@hse.ie