Alpha-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone

Alpha-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP), also known as flakka, is a synthetic stimulant of the cathinone class developed in the 1960s that has been sold as a designer drug. It is chemically related to pyrovalerone compounds which were developed as antidepressants in the 1960s.

Chemistry

Alpha-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone is a synthetic cathinone. Cathinones are a sub-category of amphetamines, sharing the core amphetamine structure of a phenyl ring bound to an amino (NH2) group through an ethyl chain with an additional methyl substitution at Rα.

Effects

The primary psychological effects have a duration of roughly 3 to 5 hours, with aftereffects such as tachycardia, hypertension, and mild stimulation lasting from 6 to 8 hours. High doses have been observed to cause intense, prolonged psychoses, which often involve delusions and hallucinations.

Legal Status

Alpha-PVP is illegal in many countries, including the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Norway. In the United States, it is a Schedule I controlled substance.

Health Risks

The health risks of using α-PVP are primarily associated with its stimulant nature, which can lead to increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. Chronic use can lead to severe psychological addiction and physical dependence.

See Also

• Methylenedioxypyrovalerone
• Synthetic cathinones
• Designer drug