Substance info: MDPV

MDPV is a synthetic, cathinone-derivative, central nervous system stimulant going by the chemical name "methylenedioxypyrovalerone". It is usually administered via oral ingestion, nasal insufflation, smoking, intravenous or intramuscular methods and is taken to produce a cocaine- or methamphetamine-like high. It is also known as NRG-1, Cloud 9, MDPK, MTV, Magic, Maddie, Black Rob, Super Coke, PV and Peeve. MDPV is the primary ingredient in so-called "bath salts," labeled as such to avoid criminal prosecution and has only been classified recently as a controlled substance in the United States and some other countries. Incidents of psychological and physical harm have been attributed to MDPV use, including cardiac and neurological signs and symptoms.

Dose

A typical dose of MDPV ranges between 5–20 mg.

Law

MDPV is a controlled substance in the United States and some other countries, including United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and Sweden, making it illegal to possess, buy, sell and produce.

History

It was first developed in 1969 for the treatment of chronic fatigue and as an anorectic, but it got banned from clinical use because of its potential of abuse and dependence. It remained an obscure stimulant until around 2004 when it was reportedly sold as a designer drug.

Effects

MDPV possesses both amphetamine-like properties and the ability to modulate serotonin, causing distinct psychoactive effects. It can also be compared to cocaine; however, MDPV is much more potent and its effect is longer lasting.

Positive

-Euphoria
-Increased alertness and awareness
-Increased wakefulness and arousal
-Increased energy and motivation
-Mental stimulation/increased concentration
-Increased sociability
-Sexual stimulation/aphrodisiac effects
-Mild empathogenic effects
-Diminished perception of the requirement for food and sleep

Negative

-Cardiovasculatory problems and discomforts
-Insomnia
-Nausea/gastric discomfort
-Headaches
-Dizziness
-Overstimulation
-Breathing difficulty
-Agitation/hypertonia
-Severe paranoia
-Confusion
-Psychotic delusions
-Extreme anxiety/agitation, sometimes progressing to violent behavior
-Suicidal thoughts/actions

Overdosing

Overdoses are characterized by profound toxicities. Physical manifestations range from tachycardia, hypertension, arrhythmias, hyperthermia, sweating, rhabdomyolysis, and seizures to those as severe as stroke, cerebral edema, cardiorespiratory collapse, myocardial infarction, and death. Behavioral effects include panic attacks, anxiety, agitation, severe paranoia, hallucinations, psychosis, suicidal ideation, self-mutilation, and behavior that is aggressive, violent, and self-destructive.

Duration

The primary psychological effects have a duration of roughly 3 to 4 hours, with after effects lasting from 6 to 8 hours.

Risks

Psychiatric and physical symptoms may persist permanently after use. Physical symptoms may progress to rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, seizures, high anion gap metabolic acidosis, respiratory failure, or liver failure. Deaths associated with use of these compounds have also been reported. People with cardiovasculatory, liver or kidney problems shouldn't use this compound as it can aggravate their condition.

Since MDPV has a very short history of use, it has undergone virtually no human or animal toxicity studies. There is little to no data on possible long term problems, addiction potential, allergic reactions, or acute overdoses and it should be considered an experimental chemical.

Addiction potential

MDPV is an addictive substance and has been associated with compulsive use ("fiending"). It has been repeatedly noted for inducing strong cravings to re-administer and reports of users with compulsive desire to continuously re-dose are fairly common.