Methylenedioxypyrovalerone

Methylenedioxypyrovalerone, also known as MDPK or 1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-pyrrolidinyl-pentan-1-one, is a stimulant drug which acts as a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, reportedly with four times the potency of methylphenidate. This compound is reported to be used as a stimulant and an aphrodisiac. It has no history of medical use but has been sold as a "research chemical" for recreational use. MDPV is not specifically listed as an illegal drug in any country, but its structural similarity to illegal drugs of abuse makes it likely that it would be considered a controlled substance analogue in several countries such as the USA, Australia and New Zealand. Other analogues derived from alpha-pyrrolidinopropiophenone include the 4-methyl analogue pyrovalerone, as well as analogues with no substitution on the aromatic ring, and analogues with between 3 and 6 carbons on the alkyl chain. These compounds have been reported as stimulants of abuse mainly in Germany and other european countries since the early 2000s, but they have remained little known and rarely used or encountered by law enforcement.

MDPV is reported to produce long-lasting stimulation. There are anecdotal reports of addiction potential with higher doses. MDPV is the 3,4-methylenedioxy ring-substituted analogue of the appetite supressant pyrovalerone, however despite its apparent structural similarity to the untrained eye, the effects of MDPV bear little resemblance to other methylenedioxyphenylalkylamine derivatives such as MDMA and methylone, instead producing purely dopaminergic stimulant effects with no empathogenic qualities. Doses used vary widely, from as little as 5mg up to hundreds of milligrams in heavy users who have developed significant tolerance to the drugs effects. The drug has been known to be administered intravenously at less than 10mg, which produces a significant stimulation along with reports of insufflation and oral doses exceding 50mg. High doses tend to produce significant and unpleasant side effects especially in novice users, including undesired over-stimulation, dizziness, nausea, anxiety, insomnia, paranoia, loss of appetite and diahorrea. Extended binges on MDPV also produce severe come-down syndrome similar to that of methamphetamine and characterised by depression, lethargy and headache.

CAS number 687603-66-3 (MDPV freebase); 24622-62-6 (MDPV hydrochloride)