Benzylpiperazine: a drug of abuse?
Author(s)
Johnstone, Alice C.
Lea, Rod A.
Brennan, Katie A.
Schenk, Susan
Kennedy, Martin A.
Fitzmaurice, Paul S.
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
2007
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
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 ...
View more >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.
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View more >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.
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Journal Title
Journal of Psychopharmacology
Volume
21
Issue
8
Subject
Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences not elsewhere classified
Medical and Health Sciences
Psychology and Cognitive Sciences