Benzylpiperazine: a drug of abuse?
by
Johnstone LC, Lea RA, Brennan KA,
Schenk S, Kennedy MA, Fitzmaurice PS.
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.
J Psychopharmacol. 2007 Jul 2;

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.

BZP
Antidepressant
MDMA vs BZP and TFMPP
Antidepressant properties of BZP (Trelibet)
MDMA (Ecstasy)-like behavioural effects of N-substituted piperazines
Is BZP neuroprotective against MDMA/Ecstasy-induced neurotoxicity?
Chronic BZP exposure produces behavioural sensitization to methamphetamine

BZP
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