1. Health

Discuss in my forum

What Drug Is in Fake Cocaine?

By , About.com Guide

Updated January 31, 2011

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Ivory Wave

Ivory Wave

About.com
Question: What Drug Is in Fake Cocaine?
Answer: The ingredient in the bath salts products, otherwise known as fake cocaine, is is the designer drug methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). MDPV is the methylenedioxy analogue of pyrovalerone, a stimulantsold under the trade names Centroton and Thymergix. Pyrovalerone is used as an appetite suppressant or for the treatment of chronic fatigue. Chemically, it is structurally related to cathinone, an active alkaloid found in the khat plant. It is a central nervous system stimulant, not approved for use in the United States.

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.