Substituted piperazines are a broad class of chemical compounds. Best known as recreational stimulants are BZP (Benzylpiperazine), TFMPP, DBZP and mCPP which mimic the effects of MDMA and used to be referred to as 'Legal highs'. These piperazine compounds are sometimes found in illegal drugs like ecstasy. They are also used in industry to make plastics, resins, pesticides, brake fluid and a variety of materials and products. Piperazine itself is used as an effective worming agent for pets and farm animals. Streetnames for drugs can vary around the country. BZP, Party Pills, Fast Lane, Silver Bullet, Smiley's, Happy Pills. Bolts Extra Strength. BZP - Benzylpiperazine --- Before it became illegal, it was sold online and from some specialist shops as a recreational drug and often wrongly promoted as a natural or herbal high or even as legal ecstasy, BZP is entirely synthetic. Its effects are amphetamine or speed-like producing feelings of arousal, euphoria, wakefulness and wellbeing.
Slang: Streetnames for drugs can vary around the country. BZP, Party Pills, Fast Lane, Silver Bullet, Smiley’s, Happy Pills. Bolts Extra Strength. Pep, Pep Love, Pep Twisted, Pep Stoned, A2, Legal E, Legal X, Frenzy, Nemesis, ESP, Cosmic Kelly, Charlie, The Good Stuff, Exodus, Rapture, Charge, Blast, Euphoria.
The effects
- The stimulant effects of BZP are similar to ecstasy but dose for dose BZP is not as potent.
- Effects can last for 6 – 8 hours.
- With decreased appetite and sleeplessness users often suffer a hangover-like reaction that can last for up to 24 hours.
- Agitation, vomiting, stomach pain, fits, irregular heart rhythms, diarrhoea, allergic reactions and fever have been reported.
Chances of getting hooked
Early studies suggest that you can become dependent. It is very similar to amphetamine use, i.e. taking speed.
The law
BZP and related compounds such as mCPP, DBZP, TFMPP and others are Class C controlled drugs. This means that it is against the law to possess them, to give them away or to sell them. Possession can get you two years in prison and/or an unlimited fine. Supplying can get you fourteen years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.
Appearance and use
BZP comes in various forms and shapes. Pills can be red, blue, pink, white, off-white, purple, orange, tan, and mottled orange-brown. They can carry an impression such as a housefly, crown, heart, butterfly, smiley face, bull's head, autobot, bird flying, Mickey Mouse, five pointed star, Superman and a witches hat. BZP is also sold as an off-white powder, in capsules and as a liquid.
BZP was originally evaluated as an anti-depressant drug. Now it is found mainly on the recreational drugs scene as a substitute for MDMA and was marketed as 'Legal Ecstasy'.
£5 - £10 a pill online.
The chemical composition of substances sold as substituted piperazines are changing all the time which is why you can never be sure what you're getting and how it could affect you.
The risksTop
- BZP is a stimulant drug which makes it particularly risky if taken by anyone suffering from high blood pressure or a heart condition.
- Perfectly healthy young people can have a fit or heart attack after taking stimulant drugs. And you may not know that you have a pre-existing heart condition.
- Mixing BZP with amphetamines (like ecstasy and speed) and alcohol can be very dangerous.
- In rare cases users may suffer from serotonin syndrome which can cause high blood pressure and may be fatal.