Benzylpiperazine (BZP) as a Designer Drug

Abstract

The latest illegal designer drug is benzylpiperazine with trade names such as “A2”, “Frenzy” and “Nemesis”, also commonly referred to as BZP (Fig. 14). It is a recreational drug with euphoric, stimulant properties. Its dopamine and serotonin agonist mechanism of action is believed to be similar to MDMA and the effects produced by BZP are comparable to those produced by amphetamine. Adverse effects have been reported following its use including psychosis, renal toxicity, and seizures [121]. It does not appear to be very addictive and no deaths have been reported following a sole ingestion of BZP, although there have been at least two deaths from the combination of BZP and MDMA. Its sale is banned in a few countries, including the United States, Australia, New Zealand and in parts of Europe. However, its legal status is currently less restrictive in some other countries such as Ireland and Canada, although investigations and regulations are pending under European Union laws. Originally synthesized as an antihelmintic and claimed to be similar in its effect to ecstasy it has been shown to result in tachycardia, hypertonia and even epileptic seizures.