Alpha-PyrrolidinoValeroPhenone (also known as alpha-PVP) is a relatively recent New Psychoactive Substance (NPS) in global circulation. While previously prominent in European nations like Poland, Serbia and Russia, it exploded onto global media in 2013 and 2014 when several cases of people using flakka (which was an analogue of alpha-PVP known as alpha-PDP) led to biting incidents, causing alpha-PVP to develop a reputation in media as a “zombie drug”. What follows is some key alpha-PVP harm reduction advice, including its known effects and interactions.
Its more recent resurgence comes in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine; its ease of local production and low prices have made it, along with mephedrone, a favourite of both soldiers and civilians. There is however, a serious lack of information on its effects, how it interacts with other substances and ways to minimise its harms.
What are the effects of Alpha-PVP?
Alpha-PVP is a cathinone-classed stimulant that is usually taken by snorting, smoking (through a pipe or vaporised), injected or consumed orally. Its effects resemble those of other more common stimulants such as cocaine, with a strong feeling of euphoria.
Similar to other stimulants, alpha-PVP has a potential for addiction; tolerance can build quickly, leading to a higher risk of overdose when used repeatedly. There are also limited harm reduction resources for stimulants in circulation, unlike with opioids and opioid substitution therapy. Harm reduction groups therefore struggle more to support people developing problematic relationships with alpha-PVP.
It is important to note that there is little research and information on flakka, as with other NPS. Speaking to TalkingDrugs, Eliza Kurcevič from the Eurasian Harm Reduction Association (EHRA) pointed out that there is never a full certainty that what is being bought and consumed is alpha-PVP, as the composition of the substance is constantly changing to keep it “legal” – meaning similar analogues may be in circulation yet sold as alpha-PVP. This makes it hard to know exactly what the effects of alpha-PVP are without extensive testing, increasing the importance of caution around its consumption.
People using alpha-PVP have reported the following effects:
- Euphoria
- Increased energy
- Increased sex-drive
- Decreased appetite
- Excessive sweating and dehydration
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Visual and auditory hallucinations
- Mood changes
- Aggressiveness
- Insomnia
Signs of alpha-PVP overdoses are similar to those of stimulant “over-amping”:
- Increased body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate
- Restlessness
- Chest pain
- Seizures
- Muscle stiffness and tremors
- Agitation, aggression
- Visual hallucinations
As a relatively new drug, it is hard to say what the long-term effects of alpha-PVP are. As with most NPS, knowledge of long-term or prolonged effects stem from anecdotal user evidence; however, the effects of synthetic cathinones are similar to those of other stimulants like amphetamines. The most common reported after-effects from users relate to the effects of alpha-PVP on mental health. Users have reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and difficulty sleeping after repeated use of alpha-PVP. A more complete list of potential side-effects from alpha-PVP consumption can be found here.
Dosage
Dosage is significantly dependent on the route of administration: most reports highlight that it is frequently ingested (orally as “bombs”) or snorted. In certain parts of Europe and Australia there have been more cases of its injection, which yields stronger (connected with severe hallucinations) yet shorter effects.
The effects of alpha-PVP have a fast onset of 5-15 minutes after consumption, with effects often lasting two to five hours. Since the potency of alpha-PVP is not widely known and can vary, it is recommended to start with a low dose and wait for the effects to manifest before redosing. Alpha-PVP can also cause strong cravings which often leads to users redosing often and binge using the substance, making it easy to develop a tolerance and overdose (also known as “over-amping”). Consumption of a dose higher than 50mg of alpha-PVP is highly dangerous.
The after-effects of alpha-PVP can last from 1 – 48 hours, and it can take up to one to two weeks of no consumption for tolerance to reach baseline levels again.
Combining alpha-PVP with other substances
Given the lack of research on alpha-PVP, it is important to take caution when taking it and combining other substances.
These are a few known interactions that users must be aware of, respect and avoid:
- Alpha-PVP and other stimulants: combining alpha-PVP with other stimulants such as cocaine can put a serious strain on the heart and lead to cardiovascular complications.
- Alpha-PVP and alcohol: alcohol can minimise and counteract the effects of alpha-PVP, leading users to want to consume more alcohol and alpha-PVP which can lead to overdose.
- Alpha-PVP and MDMA: combining these two substances can lead to dangerous increases in heart rate and cardiotoxicity.
- Alpha-PVP and DXM: this combination should be highly avoided as DXM can inhibit the reuptake of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine. This can lead to hypertension and serotonin syndrome, which if not recognised and treated properly can lead to coma and possibly death.
- Alpha-PVP and 25x-NBOMe & 25x-NBOH: psychedelic phenethylamines combined with alpha-PVP can lead to excessive stimulation, seizures, panic attacks and heart strain and failure.
- Alpha-PVP and Tramadol: combination of these two substances can increase the risk of seizures.
Key harm reduction tips
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- Test your drugs: more often than not, in sold samples alpha-PVP is not the only or main substance detected. In a few countries you can get drugs tested anonymously or buy self-testing kits to ensure there are no adulterants in your sample.
- Start low, go slow: With the same dosage, effects can vary from person to person. Potency can also be different between batches, so start with a small amount and wait for 30 minutes to feel the effects.
- Use clean and sterilised equipment and avoid sharing equipment with others: to avoid contracting dangerous infections and diseases such as HIV or Hepatitis C, make sure to use your own, sterilised syringes and needles if injecting Alpha-PVP, as when possible use a new smoking pipe or clean vaporizer.
- Avoid mixing alpha-PVP with other substances as much as possible.
