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Determining the subjective and physiological effects of BZP combined with TFMPP in human males

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Abstract

Rationale

‘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).

Objectives

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).

Conclusion

These physiological and subjective data reflect clear similarities between the effects of BZP/TFMPP and commonly known stimulants such as dexamphetamine and MDMA.

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Acknowledgements

This study was funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand. The authors would like to acknowledge Dr. John Sollers III for his statistical advice, and Ricky Wan, Wony Koak, Kate Kim and Salouni Govan for their assistance with data collection.

Conflict of interest

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag, 92019, Auckland, New Zealand

    Joanne C. Lin, Reem K. Jan, HeeSeung Lee, Maree-Ann Jensen & Bruce R. Russell

  2. Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag, 92019, Auckland, New Zealand

    Rob R. Kydd

Authors
  1. Joanne C. Lin
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  2. Reem K. Jan
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  3. HeeSeung Lee
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  4. Maree-Ann Jensen
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  5. Rob R. Kydd
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  6. Bruce R. Russell
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Joanne C. Lin.

Additional information

This research was funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand.

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Lin, J.C., Jan, R.K., Lee, H. et al. Determining the subjective and physiological effects of BZP combined with TFMPP in human males. Psychopharmacology 214, 761–768 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-010-2081-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-010-2081-7

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