Update on 1-benzylpiperazine (BZP) party pills

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2013

Authors

Marcia Sa Monteiro (Author) Other; Maria de Lourdes Bastos (Author) FFUP; de Pinho, PG (Author) FFUP; Marcia Carvalho (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Archives of Toxicology

Vol. 87

Pages: 929-947

ISSN: 0340-5761

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 21 Citations

Scopus - 23 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences > Basic medicine

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-005-07N

DOI: 10.1007/s00204-013-1057-x

Abstract (EN): N-benzylpiperazine (BZP) has become popular among recreational drug users as the major active ingredient of "party pills" due to its stimulant and euphoric properties. Before BZP legal restrictions, these pills were sold as a safe and legal alternative to classical amphetamines like ecstasy. New Zealand, given the size of its legal market prior to BZP control, is the country that most contributed to the knowledge about the patterns of use, motivations and positive and adverse effects resulting from its consumption, though the interest in BZP-party pills was observed all over the world. The use of these pills has been associated with hospitalizations for adverse events and continued availability over the Internet makes this intoxication a continued concern. This paper provides a review on the characteristics of BZP recreational use, specifically the target population, patterns and motivations of use, and evolution of legal status. Moreover, the in vivo and in vitro studies performed in order to understand its pharmacology, toxicology and kinetics are also discussed. Lastly, analytical methodologies for the identification of BZP in clinical and forensic settings are addressed.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 19