Products
3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is not licensed in many countries. It is one of the prohibited narcotics (d) and is therefore not commercially available. MDPV was developed as a designer drug and was therefore initially available legally in many countries. It was marketed as “bath salts” to give it a legal appearance.
Structure and properties
MDPV (C16H21NO3, Mr = 275.3 g/mol) is a synthetic and lipophilic cathinone derivative structurally related to ecstasy (MDMA), the amphetamines, and mephedrone. MDPV is derived from pyrovalerone, an antidepressant and stimulant developed in the 1960s that is a reuptake inhibitor. MDPV may also be referred to as ketoamphetamine.
Effects
MDPV has centrally stimulating, euphoric, empathogenic, aphrodisiac, psychotropic, and hallucinogenic properties. The effects are due to increased release or decreased reuptake of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine.
Indications for use
MDPV is abused as an intoxicant (party drug, “club drug”) and as a smart drug. There are no known medical indications for its use.
Dosage
MDPV is administered perorally, nasally, inhalationally, parenterally, or rectally, among other routes.
Adverse effects
Administration is strongly discouraged because of the unpleasant to life-threatening potential adverse effects. Fatalities have been reported. Adverse reactions include:
- Cardiovascular: rapid pulse, vasoconstriction, hypertension, arrhythmia, hyperthermia, low blood pressure, myocardial infarction, stroke.
- Eyes: visual disturbances, large pupils.
- Musculature: dissolution of skeletal muscle (rhabdomyolysis), muscle cramps.
- Nervous system: convulsions, headaches, dizziness, hyperstimulation, agitation, anxiety, paranoia, aggressiveness, hallucinations, confusion, delirium, psychosis, insomnia, dysphoria, dependence.
- Gastrointestinal tract: digestive disorders.
