Desoxypipradrol (psychopharmaceutical): Uses, Effects, And Contraindications
In recent years there has been a notable increase in the production and distribution of synthetic drugs.
Since the late 1990s, more than 200 new psychoactive substances have been detected, marketed under covers of dubious legality and used as alternatives to traditional illegal drugs; one of them is desoxypipradrol, a powerful long-lasting stimulant whose long-term effects are still unknown
In this article we talk about desoxypipradrol, its effects and mechanism of action, as well as the possible adverse reactions that its consumption can cause.
Deoxypipradrol or 2-DPMP is a new stimulant-type psychoactive substance, with effects similar to those of methylphenidate and other stimulant drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines. This drug was originally synthesized in 1950 by the pharmaceutical company Ciba-Geygy, from whose merger with Sandoz Novartis was born.
Initially, this substance was used in the treatment of attention deficit disorder and narcolepsy, but eventually shorter-acting medications ended up replacing it. The pharmaceutical company that synthesized desoxypipradrol also tested it to speed recovery from anesthesia.
At the end of the 2000s, desoxypipradol reappeared on the market, but this time marketed as a new psychoactive substance (NPS) for recreational uses. NPS are substances that are not internationally controlled and whose sale is illegal. These types of drugs can be purchased in online stores, in preparations that imitate the appearance of incense and herbs, often without any health control.
In recent years, various toxicological reports have suggested that this drug could have led to a series of psychotic events in drug addicts in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. However, Very little research has been done on the effects of this medication on the brain and its long-term effects are still unknown
Deoxypipradrol or 2-DPMP has functional and structural similarities to pipradol (a mild central nervous system stimulant) and methylphenidate. It acts as a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, and appears to promote the release of dopamine in some parts of the brain, hence its abuse potential is significant.
lAnimal studies have shown that the release and reuptake of dopamine produced by 2-DPMP is similar to that caused by cocaine Users who have consumed the substance for recreational purposes report that the stimulant effects are similar to those of any drug of this type (cocaine, amphetamines, etc.), and that the only difference is the duration of its effects: between 24 to 48 hours. However, there have been cases of overdose in which the effects have lasted 3 days.
Studies on the pharmacological properties of desoxypipradrol are scarce. However, in brain slices from rats, specifically in the nucleus accumbens (linked to the reward and motivation systems), it has been observed that the effects of 2-DPMP are clearly more potent than those of cocaine, which is exemplified in the dopamine terminals in which there is a seven-fold increase in the maximum levels of this neurotransmitter (compared to only a 3-fold increase in cocaine).
Routes of administration
There are several known routes of administration for desoxypipradrol: insufflated or by inhalation; by intravenous or intramuscular injection; oral form; wrapped in a cigarette or rolling paper; and rectally Oral ingestion appears to be the most common form of administration, and doses vary from 1 to 10 mg, depending on the mode of use. Typical oral doses range from 1 to 2 mg, although the optimal dose is around 5-10 mg.
There is not enough information about whether the effects of 2-DPMP are dose-dependent or not, since there are hardly any reports of use of this substance, apart from informal reports and the subjective experiences of consumers. There have been reported cases in which this drug has been administered rectally, through enemas in which 2-DPMP powder is introduced into water.
Effects on the body
Most of the information about the effects of desoxypipradrol is derived from first-person accounts presented by users of the substance themselves, mainly in specialized Internet forums. Acute physical effects may include: vasoconstriction, increased blood pressure, chest pains, headache, loss of appetite perspiration and elevation of creatine kinase levels.
The psychoactive effects that recreational users of this substance seek can appear after 15 minutes after consumption (which is usually given orally or nasally, mainly) and include: feeling of euphoria, alertness, feelings of empathy, feeling of energy and motivation. However, adverse reactions such as hyperactivity, confusion, cardiovascular disorders, hyperthermia, bruxism, insomnia or paranoia may also appear.
Health risks
Although there are no studies on the toxicological effects of 2-DPMP in humans, recently Some confirmed cases of severe acute poisoning have been reported after consumption of this substance In particular, there have been reports of acute toxicity related to the consumption of desoxypipradrolde in Scotland and Ireland.
The toxic effects observed were similar to those of amphetamines, but with predominant neuropsychiatric symptoms such as severe agitation, hallucinations, paranoid ideation, insomnia, tendency to aggression, anxiety and restlessness. In addition, people who showed symptoms of poisoning presented tachycardia, chest pain and hypertension.
In some people, symptoms still appeared seven days after consumption. However, several toxicological tests detected another substance derived from cocaine in addition to 2-DPMP in one of the alleged preparations purchased on the Internet, which could have increased the risk of intoxication. In addition, some deaths related to this substance have been recorded, although it is unknown whether they have been caused solely by the consumption of this substance or by mixing it with other synthetic drugs.
