Alternative names
BZP
IUPAC Name
1-benzylpiperazine
Current Scheduling Status
Year(s) and type of review / ECDD meetings
Drug Class
Recommendation (from TRS)
Substance identification
N-benzylpiperazine (BZP) is an aryl-substituted piperazine and is chemically 1-benzyl-1,4-diazacyclohexane.
Previous review
BZP was pre-reviewed at the thirty-fifth meeting of the ECDD and based on the reported psychostimulant effects, evidence of abuse and adverse effects, the Expert Committee had concluded that a critical review was warranted. Similarity to known substances and effects on the central nervous system BZP stimulates the release and inhibits the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin (5- HT) and noradrenaline, but dopaminergic and serotonergic effects predominate. It is a central nervous system stimulant with amphetamine-like properties demonstrated in both animal and human studies, although with a psychostimulant response potency less than that of dexamfetamine (INN). Like amphetamine, in humans, BZP was found to increase pulse rate, blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and pupillary dilation. Adverse effects may occur when BZP is co- ingested with other drugs (in particular 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and other serotonergic/dopaminergic compounds), but toxic effects associated with BZP alone have also been reported. Agitation, tachycardia and seizures have been noted.
Dependence potential
There have been few studies on the dependence potential of BZP and no specific studies have been done in humans. However, a study involving the administration of BZP to people who had been dependent on amphetamine and similar drugs suggested that BZP is liable to abuse. Animal studies found that BZP possessed rewarding properties and reinforcing effects, and substituted for cocaine, amphetamine and S(+)-MDMA in self-administration and discrimination studies.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse
BZP abuse and/or seized material has been reported in 18 countries. BZP use appears to be associated with situations similar to that of "ecstasy" (MDMA), or with users who are seeking effects similar to those obtained with ecstasy. BZP has previously been sold as "ecstasy" in powder, capsule, tablet or pellet form via the Internet.
Therapeutic usefulness
BZP has no recorded therapeutic applications or medical use. However, it was synthesized in the early 1940s and it is often reported that BZP was originally developed as a potential anthelminthic for the treatment of intestinal parasitic worms in livestock, but was not licensed as it was found to be relatively ineffective and to cause adverse effects such as seizures in mammals. However, no published or unpublished works confirm these accounts. In the 1980s, BZP was used to manufacture the antidepressant medication piberaline, which was later withdrawn.
Recommendation
BZP has been shown to have effects similar to amphetamine. The Committee considered that the degree of risk to public health and society associated with the abuse liability of BZP is substantial. Its therapeutic usefulness has been assessed to be little, as it is not currently licensed for use. The Committee considered that the evidence of its abuse warranted its placement under international control. The Committee recommended that BZP be placed in Schedule II of the 1971 Convention.
N-benzylpiperazine (BZP) is an aryl-substituted piperazine and is chemically 1-benzyl-1,4-diazacyclohexane.
Previous review
BZP was pre-reviewed at the thirty-fifth meeting of the ECDD and based on the reported psychostimulant effects, evidence of abuse and adverse effects, the Expert Committee had concluded that a critical review was warranted. Similarity to known substances and effects on the central nervous system BZP stimulates the release and inhibits the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin (5- HT) and noradrenaline, but dopaminergic and serotonergic effects predominate. It is a central nervous system stimulant with amphetamine-like properties demonstrated in both animal and human studies, although with a psychostimulant response potency less than that of dexamfetamine (INN). Like amphetamine, in humans, BZP was found to increase pulse rate, blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and pupillary dilation. Adverse effects may occur when BZP is co- ingested with other drugs (in particular 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and other serotonergic/dopaminergic compounds), but toxic effects associated with BZP alone have also been reported. Agitation, tachycardia and seizures have been noted.
Dependence potential
There have been few studies on the dependence potential of BZP and no specific studies have been done in humans. However, a study involving the administration of BZP to people who had been dependent on amphetamine and similar drugs suggested that BZP is liable to abuse. Animal studies found that BZP possessed rewarding properties and reinforcing effects, and substituted for cocaine, amphetamine and S(+)-MDMA in self-administration and discrimination studies.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse
BZP abuse and/or seized material has been reported in 18 countries. BZP use appears to be associated with situations similar to that of "ecstasy" (MDMA), or with users who are seeking effects similar to those obtained with ecstasy. BZP has previously been sold as "ecstasy" in powder, capsule, tablet or pellet form via the Internet.
Therapeutic usefulness
BZP has no recorded therapeutic applications or medical use. However, it was synthesized in the early 1940s and it is often reported that BZP was originally developed as a potential anthelminthic for the treatment of intestinal parasitic worms in livestock, but was not licensed as it was found to be relatively ineffective and to cause adverse effects such as seizures in mammals. However, no published or unpublished works confirm these accounts. In the 1980s, BZP was used to manufacture the antidepressant medication piberaline, which was later withdrawn.
Recommendation
BZP has been shown to have effects similar to amphetamine. The Committee considered that the degree of risk to public health and society associated with the abuse liability of BZP is substantial. Its therapeutic usefulness has been assessed to be little, as it is not currently licensed for use. The Committee considered that the evidence of its abuse warranted its placement under international control. The Committee recommended that BZP be placed in Schedule II of the 1971 Convention.
ECDD Recommendation
Inclusion in Schedule II of the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances
Link to full TRS
who_trs_991_eng.pdf1.3 MB
MS Questionnaire Report