alpha-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone

α-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone is a synthetic stimulant of the cathinone class developed in the 1960s that has been sold as a designer drug. Colloquially, it is sometimes called flakka. α-PVP is chemically related to pyrovalerone.

Main ingredient

Flakka is a white or pink crystal synthetic drug that is chemically similar to bath salts. It is usually made from the chemical alpha-PVP, a synthetic version of the stimulant cathinone. Flakka is usually imported from China, Pakistan, and India. The drug is a potent, highly addictive stimulant.
α-PVP is related to other cathinone derivates often commonly referred to as “bath salts,” and the mechanism of action resembles that of cocaine and amphetamine by inhibiting dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake. Unlike older drugs, the adverse effects of newer designer drugs are not as well known.