Alpha-PCYP is classified as a novel stimulant and substituted cathinone. Substituted cathinones are modified based on the structure of cathinone, an alkaloid found in the Khat plant. Novel stimulants have been reported to cause stimulant-like effects, similar to amphetamines. Novel stimulants have also caused adverse events, including deaths, as described in the literature. Structurally similar compounds include alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (alpha-PVP), alpha-pyrrolidinobutiophenone (alpha-PBP), alpha-pyrrolidinohexanophenone (alpha-PHP), and alpha-pyrrolidinoisohexanophenone (alpha-PiHP). Alpha-PVP, alpha-PHP, and alpha-PBP are Schedule I substances in the United States; alpha-PCYP is not explicitly scheduled. The potency of alpha-PCYP was previously studied alongside similar pyrrolidine cathinone analogues, in which alpha-PCYP was found to be twice as potent as alpha-PVP.1

Researchers previously studied the potency of alpha-PCYP alongside similar pyrrolidine cathinone analogues. However, they said alpha-PCYP is twice as potent as alpha-PVP.