Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is a potent, synthetic euphoric stimulant, which shares some of the empathogenic effects of MDMA and acts as a norepinephrine-dopamineA neurotransmitter associated with movement, attention, learning, and the brain’s pleasure and reward system. reuptake inhibitor (NDRINorepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor). It is known for its tendency to cause compulsive redosing and some users report sexual arousal. MDPV (together with Methylone and Mephedrone) is one of the first substances that have been found in products sold as "bath salts", "plant food/fertilizer", and in some "ecstasy" pills.
MDPV was first developed in the 1960s by a team at Boehringer Ingelheim. It remained an obscure stimulant until around 2004 when it was reportedly sold as a designer drug. 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 for Spice and K2 as incense.
| Light | 4-10 mg |
| Common | 8-15 mg |
| Strong | 12-25 mg |
| Heavy | >25 mg |
| Light | 2-5 mg |
| Common | 5-11 mg |
| Strong | 10-20 mg |
| Heavy | >20 mg |
| Onset | 15-30 minutes |
| Coming-up | 30-60 minutes |
| Peak | 30-180 minutes |
| Coming-down | 30-120 minutes |
| Total duration | 2-7 hours |
| After-effects | 2-48 hours |
| Onset | 5-20 minutes |
| Coming-up | 15-30 minutes |
| Peak | 30-120 minutes |
| Coming-down | 30-60 minutes |
| Total duration | 2-3.5 hours |
| After-effects | 2-48 hours |
Llikelihood of negative side effects increases with higher doses.
Systematic name: (RS)-1-(Benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentan-1-one
MDPV is the 3,4-methylenedioxy ring-substituted analog of the compound pyrovalerone, developed in the 1960s, which has been used for the treatment of chronic fatigue and as an anorectic, but caused problems of abuse and dependence. However, despite its structural similarity, the effects of MDPV bear little resemblance to other methylenedioxy phenylalkylamine derivatives such as 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA), instead producing primarily stimulant effects with only mild entactogenic qualities.
MDPV is currently in Schedule I in the United States. This means it is illegal to manufacture, buy, possess, or distribute (sell, trade or give) without a DEA license.
MDPV is also illegal in Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Sweden and the UK.