“Flakka”: An emerging trend or a mass media phenomenon? Presence of alpha-PVP in samples submitted to a drug checking facility

Abstract

IntroductionNew psychoactive substances (NPS) are drugs that have recently become available, are not worldwide regulated, and often intend to mimic the effect of controlled drugs. α-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone ( alpha-PVP) is a potent stimulant cathinone that is thought to act inhibiting dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake. It has been associated with hallucinations, psychosis and death.ObjectivesTo explore the presence of alpha-PVP from the samples handled to, and analyzed by energy control.To determine whether it is a new trend in recreational settings.Methodsall samples presented to energy control were analyzed.Samples in which alpha-PVP was detected using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry were selected for study.a Google trend analysis was also performed to asses the media impact of alpha-PVP.ResultsFrom a total of 20,062 samples, 33 contained alpha-PVP (0.16%). The samples containing alpha-PVP were mostly sold as such (40%) despite a significant proportion being sold as MDM a (15%). Google trend analysis showed an abrupt increase of alpha-PVP searches in 2015 reaching 50% of the MDM a-ones.ConclusionOur results suggest presence of alpha-PVP in the drug market may be increasing, especially as adulterant of other drugs. Severe side effects might be even more serious considering that a significant proportion of users may ignore which substance they are actually using. However, the total amount of alpha-PVP analyzed remains small, and does not support the alarming reports published in media.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.