MDPV

MDPV may cause psychosis, mania and addiction at a significantly higher rate than other stimulants.

Due to its unusually long duration, extreme potency, and compulsive nature, it is strongly discouraged to abuse this substance in high doses, multiple days in a row, or in combination with other drugs known to increase the risk of psychosis. MDPV is one of several designer drugs that has been sold as "bath salt" both in the US and in Europe; In a four-year period between September 2009 and August 2013, the European Union (EU) reported a concerningly high number of MDPV-related deaths, reaching 99.

Please see this section for more details.

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Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (commonly known as MDPV or bath salts) is a potent euphoric stimulant with a short history of human use. MDPV acts as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) and possesses stimulant qualities. It was first developed in the 1960s by a team at Boehringer Ingelheim. MDPV remained an obscure stimulant until around 2004, when it was reportedly first sold as a designer drug available to the public. Products labeled as "bath salts" containing MDPV were previously sold as recreational drugs in gas stations and convenience stores in the United States, similar to the marketing strategy of Spice and K2 as incense.

MDPV
Chemical Nomenclature
Common names	MDPV, Bath Salts, NRG-1
Substitutive name	3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone
Systematic name	1-(1,3-Benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentan-1-one
Class Membership
Psychoactive class	Stimulant / Entactogen
Chemical class	Cathinone / MDxx / Pyrrolidinophenone
Routes of Administration
WARNING: Always start with lower doses due to differences between individual body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and personal sensitivity. See responsible use section. ⇣ Oral Dosage Threshold 2 mg Light 4 - 8 mg Common 8 - 14 mg Strong 14 - 25 mg Heavy 25 mg + Duration Total 2 - 7 hours Onset 15 - 30 minutes Peak 1 - 4 hours Offset 0.5 - 2 hours After effects 2 - 48 hours DISCLAIMER: PW's dosage information is gathered from users and resources for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation and should be verified with other sources for accuracy.
Interactions

Historical reports show records of the preparation of MDPV for potential use as a CNS stimulant. It was claimed to have potential to be an alternative for racemic amphetamine and, although showing some desirable qualities such as reduced toxicity as compared to amphetamine, MDPV was not developed as a medicinal drug.

Incidents of psychological and physical harm have been attributed to MDPV use.

Chemistry

This pharmacology section is incomplete. You can help by adding to it.

MDPV, or 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone, is a cathinone-class stimulant. Specifically, MDPV possesses a 2-amino-1-phenylpropan-1-one nucleus. Many, but not all, cathinone-based substances also possess this nucleus. Cathinone, and by extension MDPV, differs from most stimulants due it containing a ketone functional group.

Pharmacology

MDPV acts as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor. Reduced re-uptake of norepinephrine and dopamine results in higher concentrations of the two neurotransmitters in the synapse, or junction between neurons. The result of this inhibition is an enhanced and prolonged post-synaptic effect of dopaminergic and noradrenaline signaling at dopamine and norepinephrine receptors on the receiving neuron. Serotonin transmitters also experience a similar effect, although to a much lesser degree. This sudden increase in neurotransmitter levels in the brain is responsible for the high that MDPV provides. Mainly possessing re-uptake inhibiting qualities, MDPV could be considered more like cocaine than amphetamine in method of action. Amphetamine acts primarily as an agonist to release dopamine and noradrenaline indirectly via activation of the TAAR1 receptor.

Subjective effects

The effects listed below are based upon the subjective effects index and personal experiences of PsychonautWiki contributors. The listed effects will rarely (if ever) occur all at once, but heavier dosages will increase the chances and are more likely to induce a full range of effects.

Physical effects

• Abnormal heartbeat
• Appetite suppression
• Diarrhea or nausea - Some experience reports describe individuals who have experienced one or more types of gastrointestinal disturbance while under the influence of MDPV.
• Gustatory hallucinations
• Headaches
• Increased heart rate - Higher doses of MDPV can create a significant and sometimes serious rise in heart rate.
• Muscle contractions
• Muscle spasms
• Restless leg syndrome
• Stamina enhancement
• Stimulation

Cognitive effects

The general cognitive effects of MDPV can be described as being similar to those of other typical stimulants. At common dosages, the MDPV high is described as being euphoric and slightly empatheogenic in its effects, causing increased motivation, sociability, sexual desire and concentration. Higher doses of MDPV, however, can intensify numerous negative effects such as anxiety and disorganized thoughts; at extremely high doses or continued use, delusions and psychosis become likely.

• Anxiety
• Cognitive euphoria
• Compulsive redosing - MDPV is extremely potent in this effect; it been shown to sometimes cause users to redose even without planning to do so.
• Confusion - This effect is intensified at higher doses.
• Creativity enhancement
• Delusions - This effect can also manifest with high doses.
• Ego inflation
• Empathy, love, and sociability enhancement - MDPV's effects in this regard are similar to, but weaker than, those of MDMA.
• Focus enhancement
• Increased libido
• Motivation enhancement
• Paranoia
• Stamina enhancement
• Psychosis - High doses of MDPV have been known to induce states of psychosis at a more frequent rate than most other stimulants.
• Thought acceleration
• Thought organization - Mainly observed with low to common doses.
• Thought disorganization - This effect manifests and is also intensified with higher doses.
• Wakefulness

After effects

The effects which occur during the offset of a stimulant experience generally feel negative and uncomfortable in comparison to the effects which occurred during its peak. This is often referred to as a "comedown" and occurs because of neurotransmitter depletion. Its effects commonly include:

• Anxiety
• Cognitive fatigue
• Depression
• Irritability
• Motivation suppression
• Thought deceleration
• Wakefulness

It should be noted that many users consider the after effects of MDPV to be significantly more unpleasant if compulsively redosed.

Toxicity and harm potential

MDPV has a relatively short history of human use, with very few mentions concerning the use thereof before 2004. Although once considered a potential alternative to existing stimulants with a lower risk for toxicity, human MDPV administration has not been extensively studied in a clinical setting for quite some time. Despite this, several recent studies on cases of persisting psychosis caused by chronic use of MDPV show promising rates of recovery among individuals who are treated with certain antipsychotics and first-line antihistamines. There has been no conclusive data concerning the neurotoxicity of MDPV in the human brain as of 2016. Anecdotal evidence from those who have tried MDPV in the online community suggest that there are no negative health effects associated with the drug if simply taken at low doses by itself and when used sparingly (but nothing can be completely guaranteed).

Data taken from in-vitro and in-vivo studies have indicated that MDPV shares similar properties to methamphetamine and cocaine; in fact, MDPV is more potent than these two stimulants in a number of varying ways. The over-excitation of dopamine and noradrenaline caused by MDPV use, combined with MDPV's potential inability to create compensatory serotonergic activity, sets the stage for a number of hostile and psychotic reactions to the drug. These hostile tendencies have been witnessed in emergency response situations, and have also seen wide television coverage in the past, after an individual under the influence of MDPV viciously assaulted an innocent bystander. It is uncertain if the individual had any pre-existing mental disorders or if he was under the influence of any other drugs.

Lethal dosage

The exact lethal dosage of MDPV is unknown and no formal studies have been carried out in humans. For sake of reference, one report placed the lethal dosage for a 39 year old male at 0.4 micrograms per millilitre or greater following the results of a post mortem, but this data is far too individually unique and the variables simply too diverse to derive any kind of meaningful information from it. It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this drug.

Tolerance and addiction potential

As with other stimulants, the chronic use of MDPV can be considered moderately addicting with a high potential for abuse and is capable of causing psychological dependence among certain users. When addiction has developed, cravings and withdrawal effects may occur if a person suddenly stops their usage. Addiction is a serious risk among users of MDPV as it easily causes compulsive redosing and causes highly unpleasant comedown symptoms.

Dangerous interactions

Warning: Many psychoactive substances that are reasonably safe to use on their own can suddenly become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with certain other substances. The following list provides some known dangerous interactions (although it is not guaranteed to include all of them).

Always conduct independent research (e.g. Google, DuckDuckGo, PubMed) to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some of the listed interactions have been sourced from TripSit.

• Stimulants - MDPV can be potentially dangerous in combination with other stimulants as it can increase one's heart rate and blood pressure to dangerous levels.
• "[[DangerousInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] & "[[DangerousInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - 25x compounds are highly stimulating and physically straining. Combinations with MDPV should be strictly avoided due to the risk of excessive stimulation and heart strain. This can result in increased blood pressure, vasoconstriction, panic attacks, thought loops, seizures, and heart failure in extreme cases.
• "[[UncertainInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Combining alcohol with stimulants can be dangerous due to the risk of accidental over-intoxication. Stimulants mask alcohol's depressant effects, which is what most people use to assess their degree of intoxication. Once the stimulant wears off, the depressant effects will be left unopposed, which can result in blackouts and severe respiratory depression. If mixing, the user should strictly limit themselves to only drinking a certain amount of alcohol per hour.
• "[[UnsafeInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Combinations with DXM should be avoided due to its inhibiting effects on serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. There is an increased risk of panic attacks and hypertensive crisis, or serotonin syndrome with serotonin releasers (MDMA, methylone, mephedrone, etc.). Monitor blood pressure carefully and avoid strenuous physical activity.
• "[[UnsafeInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Any neurotoxic effects of MDMA are likely to be increased when other stimulants are present. There is also a risk of excessive blood pressure and heart strain (cardiotoxicity).
• "[[UncertainInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Some reports suggest combinations with MXE may dangerously increase blood pressure and increase the risk of mania and psychosis.
• "[[UncertainInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Both classes carry a risk of delusions, mania and psychosis, and these risk may be multiplied when combined.
• "[[UnsafeInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - MDPV may be dangerous to combine with other stimulants like cocaine as they can increase one's heart rate and blood pressure to dangerous levels.
• "[[DangerousInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Tramadol is known to lower the seizure threshold and combinations with stimulants may further increase this risk.
• MDMA - The neurotoxic effects of MDMA may be increased when combined with amphetamine and other stimulants.
• "[[DangerousInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - This combination may increase the amount of neurotransmitters such as dopamine to dangerous or even fatal levels. Examples include syrian rue, banisteriopsis caapi, and some antidepressants.
• Cocaine - This combination may increase strain on the heart.

Legal issues

• Australia - In Western Australia, MDPV has been banned under the Poisons Act 1964, having been included in Appendix A Schedule 9 of the Poisons Act 1964 as from February 11, 2012. The Director of Public Prosecutions for Western Australia announced that anyone intending to sell or supply MDPV faces a maximum $100,000 fine or 25 years in jail. Users face a $2000 fine or two years' jail. Therefore, anyone caught with MDPV can be charged with possession, selling, supplying or intent to sell or supply.

• Canada - On June 5, 2012 Canadian Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq announced that MDPV would be listed on Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, which was passed into law on September 26, 2012.

• Finland - MDPV is specifically listed as a controlled substance in Finland (listed appendix IV substance as of June 28, 2010), Denmark and Sweden. In Sweden a 33-year-old man has been sentenced to six years in prison by an appellate court, Hovrätt, for possession of 250 grams of MDPV that had been acquired prior to criminalization.

• United Kingdom - In the UK, following the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs|ACMD's report on substituted cathinone derivatives, MDPV is a Class B drug under The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Amendment) Order 2010, making it illegal to sell, buy, or possess without a license.

• United States - On October 21, 2011, MDPV became a DEA federally scheduled drug. The DEA issued a temporary one-year ban on MDPV, classifying it as a schedule I substance. On December 8, 2011, under the Synthetic Drug Control Act, the US House of Representatives voted to ban MDPV and a variety of other synthetic drugs which had been sold legally in stores.

See also

• Stimulant
• Cathinone

External links

• MDPV (Wikipedia)
• MDPV (Erowid)