Determining the subjective and physiological effects of BZP combined with TFMPP in human males.
BACKGROUND
‘Party Pills’ containing benzylpiperazine (BZP) and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP) have been used in a recreational context since the 1990s and, prior to April 2008, were legally available in New Zealand. Taken together, they have been reported to produce a ‘high’ similar to that produced by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).


OBJECTIVE
There has been little research on the subjective effects of piperazines in humans. The purpose of this study is to further investigate the subjective and physiological responses following an oral dose of BZP combined with TFMPP in males.


METHODS
In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study the subjective and physiological effects of BZP/TFMPP were investigated in 36 healthy, non-smoking males (mean age 22 ± 4 years). Participants were tested before and approximately 120 min after administration of a single dose of placebo (n = 16) or 100/30 mg BZP/TFMPP (n = 20). Participants were required to comment on the subjective effects using three rating scales—the Addiction Research Centre Inventory (ARCI), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Participants' blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature were also measured.


RESULTS
Statistical analysis using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and planned comparisons revealed that BZP/TFMPP significantly increases blood pressure and heart rate (p < 0.05). Likewise, the subjective rating scales revealed that BZP/TFMPP has significant dexamphetamine-like effects, increases dysphoria and feelings of self-confidence (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
These physiological and subjective data reflect clear similarities between the effects of BZP/TFMPP and commonly known stimulants such as dexamphetamine and MDMA.
School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag, 92019 Auckland, New Zealand. joanne.lin@auckland.ac.nz
Joanne C
JC
Lin
Reem K
RK
Jan
HeeSeung
H
Lee
Maree-Ann
MA
Jensen
Rob R
RR
Kydd
Bruce R
BR
Russell
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010829:Physiological Phenomena / Q000187:drug effects*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D055815:Young Adult
D004338:Drug Combinations; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D010879:Piperazines; C018406:1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine; C006737:1-benzylpiperazine