Benzylpiperazine (BZP) is a substance often used as a recreational drug and is known to have euphoriant and stimulant properties. Several studies conducted between 2000 and 2011 found that the effects of BZP are similar to amphetamine, although BZP's dosage is roughly 10 times higher by weight.[5][6]
Adverse effects have been reported following its use including acute psychosis, renal toxicity and seizures.[7] Deaths from piperazine derivatives are extremely rare, but there has been at least one death apparently due to BZP alone.[8] Its sale is banned in several countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Romania and other parts of Europe.[9][10]
^Antia U, Lee HS, Kydd RR, Tingle MD, Russell BR (April 2009). "Pharmacokinetics of 'party pill' drug N-benzylpiperazine (BZP) in healthy human participants". Forensic Science International. 186 (1–3): 63–67. doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2009.01.015. PMID19261399.
^Update on 1-benzylpiperazine (BZP) party pills. 2013. Arch Toxicol. 87/6, 929-47. M.S. Monteiro, M.D.L. Bastos, P. Guedes De Pinho, M. Carvalho. doi: 10.1007/s00204-013-1057-x.
^Schep LJ, Slaughter RJ, Vale JA, Beasley DM, Gee P (March 2011). "The clinical toxicology of the designer "party pills" benzylpiperazine and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine". Clinical Toxicology. 49 (3): 131–141. doi:10.3109/15563650.2011.572076. PMID21495881. S2CID42491343.