A-PVP

Psychoactive Class

Chemical Class

α-PVP is a synthetic stimulant of the cathinone and pyrrolidinophenone classes, chemically related to prolintane and pyrovalerone. Originally patented by Boehringer Ingelheim in the 1960s but never marketed, it emerged as a recreational substance in the early 2010s. Known colloquially as flakka¹, α-PVP acts as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor², producing powerful but short-lived effects comparable to methamphetamine and cocaine. It has been linked to numerous hospitalizations and deaths, with very limited toxicity data available².

Dosage & Duration

Dosage

Threshold1-1 mg

Light5-10 mg

Moderate10-15 mg

Strong15-25 mg

Heavy40+ mg

Duration

Onset2-20 minutes

Peak1-2.5 hours

Offset1-5 hours

After Effects4-12 hours

Total2-6 hours

Subjective Effects

Effects vary widely by individual, dose, and context.

Physical

Tactile enhancement Increased heart rate Increased perspiration Appetite suppression Visual acuity suppression Focus enhancement

Cognitive

The cognitive effects of α-PVP can be broken down into several components which progressively intensify proportional to dosage. The general head space of α-PVP is described by many as one of extreme mental stimulation and powerful euphoria. It contains a large number of typical stimulant cognitive effects.

Thought acceleration Analysis enhancement Immersion enhancementEgo inflation Disinhibition Motivation enhancement Anxiety Compulsive redosing

Forked from Subjective Effect Documentation

by Josie KinsSeptember 2015.

Reagent Testing

Loading reagent data

Expected colorimetric results are being prepared.

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

α-PVP acts as a potent and selective norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI).³ It inhibits dopamine reuptake with IC50 values of 13 to 80 nM and norepinephrine reuptake with IC50 values of 14 to 70 nM, as measured in rat brain synaptosomes and HEK293 cells expressing the monoamine transporters. Notably, α-PVP does not function as a transporter substrate and therefore does not induce neurotransmitter release.³ It has negligible activity at the serotonin transporter.³ In vitro, α-PVP is considerably more potent than amphetamine as an NDRI, showing 46-fold greater potency for dopamine reuptake inhibition and 7-fold greater potency for norepinephrine reuptake inhibition in HEK293 cells, making it one of the most potent dopamine reuptake inhibitors known in vitro.

Pharmacokinetics

α-PVP is absorbed very rapidly. The compound is highly lipophilic owing to its pyrrolidine ring, which is reported to markedly enhance its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier relative to other cathinones.

Metabolitesnone documented yet

Tolerance

Full Tolerance

Tolerance to many of the effects of α-PVP develops with prolonged and repeated use, resulting in users needing to administer increasingly large doses to achieve the same effects.

Baseline Reset

1-2 weeks

Half Tolerance

3-7 days

Cross Tolerance

Dopaminergic stimulants

Harm Potential

Addiction & Dependence

Psychological

High

Chronic use is considered highly addictive with a high potential for abuse and is capable of causing psychological dependence. Compulsive use patterns are commonly associated with this substance, and when addiction has developed, cravings and withdrawal effects may occur if usage is suddenly stopped.

Toxicity

Cardiovascular

Due to the potency of its rush, α-PVP can cause various uncomfortable or painful sensations in the heart, especially when abused or used for extended periods; sudden spikes in blood pressure may occur particularly when vaporized or injected.

Psychosis Risk

This compound is known to readily induce psychosis if abused for prolonged periods. Symptoms can easily escalate into frightening delusions, paranoid psychosis, extreme agitation, and other altered mental states.¹ In emergency settings, psychosis-like states, agitation, aggression, and hallucinations are commonly observed. Approximately 5-15% of users who develop stimulant psychosis fail to recover completely.

Seizure Risk

α-PVP may lower the seizure threshold in some individuals, especially when abused.

History & Culture

α-PVP (alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone) was first described in scientific literature in 1963 and subsequently patented by the pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim during the 1960s, though it was never developed for medical use or brought to market.…

Legality

International

UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971: scheduled

By Country

United StatesIllegal

Alpha-PVP (alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone) is a Schedule I controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act.⁵ DEA permanently placed alpha-PVP, its optical, positional, and geometric isomers, and their salts and salts of isomers where possible in Schedule I effective March 1, 2017. Except as authorized by federal law, knowing possession is unlawful, as are manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, and possession with intent to do so.

AustriaIllegal

Alpha-PVP (α-Pyrrolidinovalerophenon) is listed in Anhang IV.1 of Austria’s Suchtgiftverordnung and is legally equated with a Suchtgift under the Suchtmittelgesetz. The listing has applied since 27 June 2019 and covers isomers, esters, ethers, molecular compounds, salts, and preparations, subject to the stated diagnostic/analytical exception. Unauthorized acquisition, possession, production, transport, import, export, offering, supply, or procurement is punishable.

BrazilControlled (Portaria SVS/MS nº 344)

Possession, production, and sale are illegal as the substance is listed on Portaria SVS/MS nº 344.

ChinaControlled substance

Added to controlled substances lists effective October 1, 2015, per SFDA announcement.

CyprusControlled (NPS Legislation)

Controlled under the New Psychoactive Substances Legislation since June 24, 2011.

EstoniaControlled (Regulation No. 73)

Listed in Regulation No. 73 as of June 2, 2014.

FranceIllegal

Alpha-PVP is classified as a narcotic substance (stupéfiant) in Annexe III of the current consolidated order. This listing was added by the Arrêté du 4 novembre 2016 and has applied since 10 November 2016. Illicit production or manufacture is punishable by 20 years' criminal imprisonment and a €7,500,000 fine; illicit transport, possession, offer, sale, and acquisition are also criminal offences.

GreeceControlled (Law 3459/2006)

Controlled substance under Law 3459/2006.

IndiaIllegal

Alpha-PVP is a psychotropic substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. The notification covers the substance, its salts, and its preparations.

ItalyIllegal

Alpha-PVP is expressly listed in Italy’s Tabella I as alfa-PVP, with its chemical name and α-PVP synonym, since 16 June 2018. Unauthorised production, trafficking, sale, and possession not exclusively for personal use are offences under Article 73 of DPR 309/1990.

LatviaControlled substance

Classified as a controlled substance under national drug legislation.

MexicoRestricted

Since 18 January 2021, alfa-pirrolidin valerofenona (alfa-PVP) has been expressly listed in Anexo I(c), under tariff item 2939.80.99. Definitive and temporary imports of the listed psychotropic raw materials require prior COFEPRIS health authorization, and Annex I goods are subject to the applicable import or export health authorization. Mexico also promulgated the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, under which α-PVP is in Schedule II and subject to international controls on manufacture, trade, possession, and supply.

New ZealandIllegal

Alpha-PVP is a Class A controlled drug in New Zealand. The 2022 Order inserts alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone into Schedule 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.

PhilippinesIllegal

Alpha-PVP is a dangerous drug in Philippine Schedule II. The Dangerous Drugs Board’s current controlled-substances list retains alpha-PVP in Schedule II.

PortugalIllegal

Alpha-PVP has been listed in Table II-A of Decree-Law No. 15/93 since Law No. 8/2019 added it in February 2019; the table was most recently republished by Law No. 19-F/2026. Unauthorised production, preparation, sale, supply, transport, import or export, and unlawful possession of Table I–III substances are punishable by four to twelve years’ imprisonment; acquisition or possession for personal consumption is an administrative offence.

SingaporeIllegal

Alpha-PVP is a Class A controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973. The First Schedule names it as 1-phenyl-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentan-1-one and includes its salts, stereoisomers, preparations, and products.

SloveniaControlled substance

Classified as a controlled substance since July 2014.

SpainRestricted

Spain lists alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (alpha-PVP) in List II of Annex I to Royal Decree 2829/1977. Manufacture requires authorization and registration, and transfer is confined to authorized persons or entities.

SwitzerlandControlled (Verzeichnis D)

Specifically named as a controlled substance under Verzeichnis D of Swiss drug legislation.

United Arab EmiratesIllegal

Alpha-PVP is listed as a cathinone in Schedule 5 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 on Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances. In force since 2 January 2022, the law prohibits its import, export, transfer, production, manufacture, bringing into the country, possession, acquisition, and related activities. Controlled medical use and scientific research are limited to designated specialized authorities under the statutory conditions.

AustraliaIllegal

Alpha-PVP is expressly listed as a Schedule 9 prohibited substance in Australia’s current Poisons Standard. The current instrument commenced on 1 June 2026 and retains the specific national Schedule 9 entry introduced on 1 June 2018. Its general interpretation rule extends the listing to salts, derivatives, stereoisomers, and preparations or admixtures. In New South Wales, Alpha-PVP is also a Schedule 1 prohibited drug, making unauthorised possession, manufacture, and supply offences.

BelgiumControlled substance

Classified as a controlled substance under national drug legislation.

ChileIllegal

Chile classifies alpha-PVP as a psychotropic or narcotic drug capable of producing physical or psychological dependence and serious toxic effects or considerable harm to health. The regulation identifies it as 1-fenil-2-(1-pirrolidinil)-1-pentanona, Alfa PVP.

ColombiaRestricted

Alpha-PVP is listed among synthetic cathinones in Colombia’s Technical Annex of psychoactive substances that create dependence and affect health. The resolution applies that definition through police authorities under the National Code of Security and Coexistence and Law 2000 of 2019.

Czech RepublicControlled substance

Classified as a controlled substance under national drug legislation.

FinlandControlled (Narcotics Act 373)

Listed in the Narcotics Act 373 as of December 30, 2013.

GermanyAnlage II BtMG

Controlled under Anlage II of the Betäubungsmittelgesetz (Narcotics Act, Schedule II)⁴ since July 17, 2013. Manufacturing, possession, import, export, purchase, sale, procurement, and dispensing without a license are prohibited.

HungaryIllegal

Alpha-PVP is listed as a P1 psychotropic substance in Annex 2 to Minister of Interior Decree 78/2022 (XII. 28.) on controlled substances, whose current consolidated text is dated 29 June 2026. The decree entered into force on 1 January 2023. The Criminal Code defines Annex 2 P1 substances as drugs and criminalizes their production, acquisition, possession, import, export, transit, offering, transfer, sale, and distribution.

IrelandControlled substance

Covered by the generic definition of controlled cathinones under Irish drug legislation.

JapanIllegal

Alpha-PVP is a narcotic under Japan’s narcotics-control regime. The designation includes its salts and substances containing it.

LithuaniaControlled substance

Classified as a controlled substance since 2010.

NetherlandsIllegal

Alpha-PVP is named on List I of the Dutch Opium Act as α-PVP (alfa-pyrrolidinevalerofenon). Article 2 prohibits its import, export, preparation, processing, sale, supply, transport, possession, and manufacture.

NorwayControlled substance

Classified as a controlled substance under Norwegian drug legislation.

PolandSchedule IV

Classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance since July 1, 2015.

RomaniaControlled substance

Classified as a controlled substance under national drug legislation.

SlovakiaControlled substance

Classified as a controlled substance since October 1, 2013.

South KoreaIllegal

Alpha-PVP is controlled as a psychotropic drug through the methcathinone-and-analogues entry in Appendix 3 of the Enforcement Decree of the Narcotics Control Act. Korea Customs identifies O-2387, alpha-PVP, as designated under that entry.

SwedenControlled (Narcotic Drugs Control Act)

Controlled under the Narcotic Drugs Control Act since February 2013.

TurkeyControlled substance

Classified as a controlled substance since March 22, 2012.

United KingdomClass B

Controlled as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 through the cathinone catch-all clause, which covers synthetic cathinone derivatives.

References

Citations

Automated synthesis
Information aggregated and synthesized using an autonomous workflow built by Josie Kins.

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A-PVP

A-PVP

Contents

Dosage & Duration

Dosage

Duration

Subjective Effects

Physical

Cognitive

Reagent Testing

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacokinetics

Tolerance

Harm Potential

Addiction & Dependence

Psychological

Toxicity

Psychosis Risk

Seizure Risk

History & Culture

Legality

International

By Country

References

Citations

Suggest an edit

A-PVP

Contents

Dosage & Duration

Dosage

Duration

Subjective Effects

Physical

Cognitive

Reagent Testing

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacokinetics

Tolerance

Harm Potential

Addiction & Dependence

Psychological

Toxicity

Psychosis Risk

Seizure Risk

History & Culture

Legality

International

By Country

References

Citations

Suggest an edit