MDPV: Difference between revisions

'''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 [[Synthetic cannabinoids|Spice and K2]] as incense.

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.<ref> MDPV Summary | http://www.who.int/medicines/areas/quality_safety/4_13_Review.pdf?ua=1</ref>

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

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.

MDPV acts primarily as a potent [[Noradrenaline|norepinephrine]]-[[dopamine]] [[reuptake inhibitor]]. Reduced re-uptake of norepinephrine and dopamine results in higher concentrations of the two [[catecholamine]] [[neurotransmitter]]s in the [[Synapse|synaptic cleft]], or gap between [[Neurons|neurons]]. The result of this inhibition is an enhanced and prolonged concentration and resulting post-synaptic effect of dopaminergic and noradrenaline signaling at dopamine and norepinephrine receptors on the receiving neuron. [[Serotonin]] levels experience a similar effect, although to a much lesser degree. This sudden increase in neurotransmitter levels in the brain is thought to be responsible for the high that MDPV provides. Mainly possessing re-uptake inhibiting qualities, MDPV could be considered more like [[cocaine]] or [[methylphenidate]] than [[amphetamine]] in method of action.<ref>http://www.who.int/medicines/areas/quality_safety/4_13_Review.pdf?ua=1</ref> In contrast, amphetamine acts primarily as an agonist to release dopamine and noradrenaline indirectly via activation of the TAAR1 receptor.

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]].<ref>Studies concerning MDPV hospitalization, pages 19 to 25. | http://www.who.int/medicines/areas/quality_safety/4_13_Review.pdf?ua=1</ref> 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).

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,<ref>http://jat.oxfordjournals.org/content/37/3/182.full</ref> but this data is far too individually unique and the variables simply too diverse to derive any kind of meaningful information from it.  

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.