What is more dangerous: mephedrone or Alpha-PVP?
Mephedrone and Alpha-PVP (alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone) are syntheticdrugs from the cathinone group, which have a psychostimulating effect. Despite the similarity of origin, these substances differ significantly in strength, risks and consequences. In this article, we will examine in detail which of them is more dangerous for the psyche and physical health.
What is mephedrone?
Mephedrone (4-MMC, "meow meow") is a stimulant that causes euphoria, alertness, increased social interaction, and sexual activity. The effects are similar to MDMA, but the duration is shorter (1–2 hours), and the effects are more aggressive with prolonged use.
What is Alpha PVP?
Alpha-PVP (popularly known as “salt”, “speed”, “flake”) is a more powerful psychostimulant with an extremely destructive effect.Use causes agitation, insomnia, aggression, paranoia, and in case of overdose - psychosis, convulsions and even death.
What is more dangerous than Alpha PVP?
- Psychosis and paranoia: Many users lose touch with reality after just a few uses.
- Insomnia for 2-5 days: Leads to nervous exhaustion and hallucinations.
- Unpredictable behavior: Aggression, panic, suicidal tendencies.
- Physical effects: Severe tachycardia, hyperthermia, vascular destruction.
Mephedrone: also not safe
- Forms a rapid addiction: Euphoria causes a desire to repeatuse over and over again.
- Reduces memory, motivation: With chronic use, apathy and depression develop.
- Increases the risk of contracting STIs and HIV: Due to promiscuous sexual activity and injection method.
Comparison Chart: Mephedrone vs. Alpha-PVP
Mephedrone Alpha-PVP Criterion
| Substance group | Synthetic cathinone | Synthetic cathinone (pyrrolidine derivative) |
| Duration of effect | 1-2 hours | 3-6 hours |
| Psychoactive effects | Euphoria, sociability, stimulation | Aggression, agitation, hallucinations |
| Risk of psychosis | Average | Very tall |
| Physicaladdiction | Average | Tall |
| Withdrawal syndrome | Anxiety, depression | Acute depression, suicidal thoughts |
| Fatal outcome | Rarely | Cases of cardiac arrest and overdose are recorded. |
Legal status
Both mephedrone and Alpha-PVP are illegal drugs in most countries, including Russia. The possession, sale and production of these substances are punishable by criminal liability under Article 228 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.
Conclusion: which is more dangerous?
Both substances pose a serious threat to mental and physical health, but Alpha-PVP is considered more dangerous in a number of ways:
- More likely to cause psychosis and aggression
- Destroys the psyche faster
- Causes physical exhaustion, insomnia, hallucinations
- Has a high risk of death
However, none of these substances can be considered safe. Even a single use can lead to irreversible consequences.
If you or your loved ones are faced with a problem
Don't delay seeking help. There are anonymous addiction treatment centers, psychologists, narcologists, and support groups. The sooner treatment begins, the greater the chances of restoring a normal life.