Methylone, a common synthetic cathinone used as a substitute for MDMA, produces similar acute effects in humans. In a controlled trial with 17 experienced psychostimulant users, a single 200 mg oral dose of methylone increased blood pressure and heart rate and induced pleasurable effects including stimulation, euphoria, wellbeing, enhanced empathy, and altered perception. Methylone's effect profile resembled MDMA's but with a faster onset and earlier disappearance of subjective effects. The findings suggest methylone's abuse potential is comparable to that of MDMA in humans.
Alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP), a synthetic cathinone similar to MDPV and cocaine, produces rapid-onset psychostimulant and empathogenic effects after a single intranasal dose. In nine participants with prior psychostimulant use, 10 mg or 20 mg of α-PVP caused an acute increase in blood pressure and heart rate that peaked 40 minutes after administration. Subjective effects appeared quickly and resolved within 3 to 5 hours. The drug's psychostimulant properties resembled those of cocaine, and its empathogenic effects were similar to those of MDMA and other cathinones like methylone.