MDPV

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Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV or commonly known as 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.

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

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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.