Determining the subjective effects of TFMPP in human males.
BACKGROUND
Trifluoromethylphenyl piperazine (TFMPP) is an active constituent of a relatively new group of recreational drugs known as 'party pills'. TFMPP has been anecdotally reported to induce mild psychedelic effects similar to lysergic acid diethylamide and psilocybin. There has been no research about the subjective effects of TFMPP in humans.


OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate the subjective effects of TFMPP in human males.


METHODS
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial design was used to investigate the subjective effects of TFMPP in 30 healthy, non-smoking male volunteers (mean age 24 +/- 4 years). Participants were randomised into two groups and given either TFMPP 60 mg (n = 15) or placebo (n = 15). Each participant completed three rating scales, the Addiction Research Centre Inventory (ARCI), the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and the Visual Analogue Scales (VAS), both before and 120 min after drug administration.


RESULTS
Results from the ARCI indicated that TFMPP produced increases in 'dysphoria' and 'dexamphetamine-like effects'. TFMPP also increased ratings of 'tension/anxiety' and 'confusion/bewilderment' as rated on the POMS. Results from the VAS indicated increases in 'drug liking', 'high' and 'stimulated' ratings relevant to placebo.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased ratings of 'dexamphetamine-like effects', 'tension/anxiety', 'stimulated' and 'high' following TFMPP administration resemble the subjective effects of common amphetamine-type stimulants. However, increases in 'dysphoria' and 'confusion/bewilderment' ratings following TFMPP are more commonly associated with drugs that have greater effects on serotonin release, binding and reuptake such as 1-[3-chlorophenyl]-piperazine, fenfluramine and lysergic acid diethylamide.
Jan
Reem K
RK
School of Pharmacy, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. r.jan@auckland.ac.nz
Lin
Joanne C
JC
Lee
Heeseung
H
Sheridan
Janie L
JL
Kydd
Rob R
RR
Kirk
Ian J
IJ
Russell
Bruce R
BR
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects*; D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D010879:Piperazines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D006213:Hallucinogens; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D010879:Piperazines; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists; C018406:1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine