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Journal of Psychopharmacology
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0269881107077260v1
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Article

Benzylpiperazine: a drug of abuse?

Lea C Johnstone1, Rod A Lea2, Katie A Brennan3, Susan Schenk3, Martin A Kennedy4, and Paul S Fitzmaurice2*

1 Envirogenomics Group, Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd, New Zealand, and Department of Pathology, Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, New Zealand
2 Envirogenomics Group, Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd, New Zealand
3 Department of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
4 Department of Pathology, Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, New Zealand

* To whom correspondence should be addressed.


  Abstract

N-benzylpiperazine (BZP) is the active ingredient in recreational 'party' or 'p.e.p.' pills, which are used to provide a stimulant, euphoric effect akin to that of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'ecstasy'). BZP predominantly affects dopamine neurotransmission in a similar fashion to known 'drugs of abuse', such as methamphetamine and cocaine, which strongly suggests BZP has abuse liability. BZP is illegal in many countries including the United States of America and Australia, yet it remains legal in the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand. There has been little research, to date, on the neurological consequences of high dose or chronic exposure of BZP. Here we provide a comprehensive review of the information currently available on BZP and suggest a need for further research into the mechanisms of action, long-term effects and potentially addictive properties of BZP.

Key Words: benzylpiperazine, BZP, party pills, p.e.p. pills, TFMPP, drugs of abuse

First published on July 2, 2007, doi:10.1177/0269881107077260

Journal of Psychopharmacology 2007;21:888.

A more recent version of this article appeared on November 1, 2007

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