Effects of Piperazine Abuse
Piperazines are in a class of drug that was originally used to fight parasitic infections. It is still used as a pig wormer. Some piperazines are also used as tranquilizers. Perhaps their biggest use is recreational.
In the US, this category of drug is still legal in many states, while it has been banned by federal action taken by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This does not mean that the drug is any less dangerous, but only that the local laws have not yet caught up to this threat.
This class includes these drugs that may be sold individually or in combination, sometimes being sold under a misleading name:
- BZP
- 2C-B-BZP
- CDPP
- DBZP
- MBZP
- mCPP
- MCDZP
- MeOPP
- pCPP
- pFPP
- TFMPP
The best known of these are BZP, TFMPP and mCPP. Chemically, these drugs have long, complicated names like these:
- 2C-B-BZP: 4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxy-1-benzylpiperazine
- TFMPP: 3-Trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine
- mCPP: 3-Chlorophenylpiperazine
When used recreationally, these drugs have been nicknamed A2, Legal X, Pep X, Frenzy or Nemesis.
Despite the use of some piperazines as tranquilizers, BZP is a stimulant. Problems resulting from recreational use of this drug have been found in New Zealand, Europe, and the USA. It is about one-tenth as strong as d-amphetamine.
Some people trying to buy Ecstasy (MDMA) will actually receive BZP labeled as Ecstasy. A pill that does contain MDMA may also contain BZP. BZP pills may also be sold in blister packs with party images printed on the packaging.
BZP may be one of the ingredients in packs of “bath salts”—illicit drugs that are labeled “for a stimulating bath” to evade seizure by law enforcement.
mCPP has been found in as much as half the party drugs tested in Europe. Most people find the abuse of mCPP to be very unpleasant, as it causes headaches, panic attacks, and anxiety.
TFMPP is often combined with BZP. It is said that it does little when taken by itself. It is legal in some countries. By itself, TFMPP seems to cause headaches, increased heart rate, anxiety attacks and vomiting. Blood pressure and body temperature also go up, which can be dangerous, especially when this drug is mixed with others that can have the same effect. Overheating and dehydration can lead to death.
Effects of Abusing Piperazines
While the specific effects vary by the individual formula that is abused or the combination of drugs used, the most common piperazine effects are:
- Headache
- Stomach pains
- Loss of appetite
- Tremors
- Emotional swings
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Irregular heart rhythms
- Vomiting
- Fear of losing control
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Oversensitivity to light and noise
- Grand mal seizures (from BZP)
- Long-lasting hangover after abuse
Piperazines have been involved in drug deaths but it is difficult to determine how much piperazines were causal because there were always other drugs used by the person who died.
To prevent a person from being harmed by the use of these drugs, it is important to help a person achieve a sober lifestyle. If they can’t achieve this by themselves, they may need the help of drug rehab.
Narconon has Helped Tens of Thousands
Over its fifty year history, the Narconon program has helped tens of thousands of individuals leave drugs behind.
If someone you care about has been abusing these party drugs, contact Narconon to find out about lasting recovery through this drug-free, eight to ten-week average rehab program.
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