Drugs A-Z

MDPV

Methylenedioxypyrovalerone

AKA

MDPK, PV, MTV

N.B. This information has been collated from a variety of sources including expert users from UK and Europe, users at outreach events, surveys and questionnaires andfrom users via relevant websites and drug forums. It is to be used as a rough guide only and Crew cannot vouch that all information is factual as little is known about the substance and much of the information has been obtained from service users reports.

Appearance

Most commonly sold in Scotland in white or brownish powder or crystal form.

Background

It is structurally similar and has effects similar to other research chemicals such as Mephedrone and Naphyrone (often marketed as NRG-1). Recent information from John Moores University and other independent analysis have suggested some test samples of NRG-1 have proved to contain MDPV. It was also noted by the early warning system released by EMCDDA that MDPV was contained in the branded legal high Ivory Wave prior to the ban, although newer batches of Ivory Wave claim to have "new formula legal in UK".

There has been some speculation on various internet user forums to suggest that some users believe that Ivory wave still contains MDPV but no independent analysis results have been made available to confirm or deny this.

Price

Internet prices for powder form are £17-25 per package depending on quantity purchased and vendor. Ivory Wave commonly comes in packs of 200mg, 500mg and 1000mg.

Route of consumption

• Nasal (snorted with straw or banknote). This is the most common administration route
• Oral ("dabbed" by finger, powder wrapped in cigarette paper and "bombed" , ingested in capsule or pill form, diluted in water or juice drink)
• Inserted in eye (Eyeballed) -this is strongly discouraged by users
• Other similar research chemicals can also be taken rectally diluted in water by using a syringe, although this is fairly uncommon
• Injecting- this is strongly discouraged due to increased potential for vein damage due to vasoconstriction and its caustic nature, OD risk, addictive potential and many other possible unknown risks

Dosage:

• Light: 3-5mg
• Typical: 5-10mg
• Strong: 10-15mg+
  

Onset of effects

• 5-20 min (nasal)
  
• 15-30mins (oral)

Duration of effects

30mins- 2.5 hours (nasal) and up to 7 hours (oral)

Patterns of use

It is common for users to re-dose after 30mins-1 hour as many report the main effects tend to plateau or level off at this time.

Effects on brain chemistry

MDPV acts as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), affecting the reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine.

Physical effects

Rushes, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, dilated pupils, eye spasms (Nystagymus), teeth grinding, jaw clentching, dry mouth, increased thirst, changes in body temperature, suppressed appetite, gastrointestinal disturbance, palpitations, involuntary body movements, intense sweating, muscle cramping, sleeplessness/insomnia, renal issues, irritation/pain to nasal area after snorting

Psychological effects

Feeling of stimulation and excitement, perception of increased energy, feeling of ‘coming up', alertness, urge to talk, intense connection with music, sexual arousal, craving to re-dose, poor concentration, mental confusion, poor short term memory, anxiety, paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, psychosis, depression

The list above is some of the main effects and side effects that have been reported, not all these effects will be experienced by all users and the more serious effects tend to be reported in cases of higher dosages or repeated use.

Longer term

Little is known about long-term effects. There has been some suggestion that similar to other related research chemicals such as mephedrone, vasoconstriction (narrowing of the blood vessels) may be a concern especially at higher doses although more research is needed. Vasoconstriction is reported to cause a blue tingeing of parts of the body-often hands and knees.

Comedown effects

A rough comedown effect is often reported from MDPV, likened to one of amphetamine. Most common comedown effects that are reported are cravings to re-dose, tiredness and lethargy but with a difficulty in getting to sleep. Some users have reported a compulsive desire to use (often known as fiending) where they have used excessively without planning to do so.

After effects

Some users report no significant after effects, although many users describe a remaining feeling of paranoia, anxiety and /or depression and physical symptoms of palpitations, renal issues and cardiovascular issues for a number of days after use.

Legal status

MDPV was classified under Misuse of Drugs Act into category B amongst other cathinones including mephedrone on 16th April 2010.

Harm reduction advice:

• Use accurate scales to measure doses, don't try to judge by eye.
  
• For a first time user, start with a test amount e.g 3-5mg to ensure there are no adverse reactions
  
• Limit dose-start with a small amount and leave at least 1 hour before re-dosing
  
• Control quantities you take in one session
  
• Avoid mixing with other drugs/alcohol
  
• If snorting, clean out nose after use and use straw-don't share with anyone else! If ingesting, ingest within a capsule/cigarette paper
  
• Ensure you replace fluids lost by dancing but be careful with water consumption-small sips and don't go over 1 pint in 1 hour
  
• Take regular breaks when dancing so as not to dehydrate
  
• Try not to use alone and tell your friends what you are taking
  
• If you are on antidepressant medication especially MAOI's and certain SSRI's it is advised to avoid MDPV due to possibility of increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
• If you have any history of heart, circulatory or blood pressure problems, it is advised you avoid MDPV.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding it is advised you avoid MDPV due to risks of premature labour, miscarriage, birth defects and developmental issues
  
• IV use and eyeballing is strongly discouraged by users

Further Information

More information, including references for everything detailed here can be found on our info. sheet.

Useful links

http://drugs-forum.com

http://www.erowid.org

http://www.bluelight.ru

http://www.knowthescore.info/

http://drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk/drugs-laws/