For drug users attracted to the use of central nervous system stimulant drugs, there are choices that go beyond that of methamphetamine and cocaine. Alternative stimulants are attractive to drug users at a couple of different levels. Foremost might be the fact that these sorts of drugs are rarely screened for in drug tests; use of alternative drugs can go undetected for as long as a drug user can compensate for them and otherwise be functional. Alternative central nervous system stimulant drugs include the likes of Ritalin (methylphenidate), Cylert (pemoline) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine); each of these is a controlled substance. Diversion of these drugs from legitimate to illicit purposes is common; these drugs can be found for sale on the Internet and on the street. For those who seek alternative drugs, the Internet serves as a vector and source of important information.

A quick Internet search for non-amphetamine central nervous stimulants will yield information on a powerful drug known as benzylpiperazine. Called “BZP” for short, this drug is a potent stimulant that produces amphetamine-like effects; the drug also provokes feelings that are described as being mildly hallucinogenic. Recently, the drug has been seized within the walls of some U.S. state prison systems as well as on the streets of several large cities. In the 60’s and 70’s, this drug was widely available on the streets as an alternative to LSD, back then it was often purported to be MDA (methylenedioxyamphetamine), a hallucinogenic amphetamine that pre-ages Ecstasy (MDMA). The drug was popular for its mixed effects as a central nervous system stimulant and mild hallucinogen. Oftentimes, its hallucinogenic effects were attributable to compounds that were mixed with it. Drugs like TFMPP (1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine) were added to give BZP a boost, a hallucinogenic buzz of sorts. Considering its hazy quality control background, BZP is suspected of having a number of odd constituents added to it.

BZP is consumed orally, there is little evidence that it’s smoked or snorted. BZP is typically sold as a small single scored tablet; there may be a symbol of some sort stamped on the side opposite of the scoring. Usually found in a white or off-white color, the tablet may be colored in orange or yellow. Vivid colors and unusual cursive figures make BZP tablets look like Ecstasy; however, the symptoms are much different than that of Ecstasy. BZP has central nervous system stimulating effects. BZP interacts with transmitter systems that regulate and control the release of dopamine, norepinehprine and acetylcholine. Its central effects are not unlike methamphetamine, but it brings with it a more visceral sense of excitement. From an equipotency point of view, BZP is more powerful than methamphetamine, Ritalin or any of the other pharmaceutical stimulants. BZP has a longer half-life than methamphetamine and its stimulating effects persist for six, eight even twelve hours.

On the street, the drug is likely to pop-up in the “rave” and “club” settings; in addition to “BZP,” the drug has acquired names of “Frenzy” and “Crash.” Although BZP has been on the “market” for years, it’s never really attracted a consistent, loyal following. A variety of Internet sources purport to be outlets for the drug, most of them connected to European drug dealing enterprises.

The MEDTOX DAR Hotline has received several inquiries this year about BZP, these calls have all come from corrections officers working in county jails and state prisons. BZP has turned up in the possession of inmates and visitors. First suspected as Ecstasy, forensic analysis revealed that the drug was in fact BZP. Because BZP is not an amphetamine, standard drug test panels will not detect its use. BZP can be screened and confirmed at MEDTOX as a special test. People interested in testing for this drug can make arrangements with a government sales representative. For those who are trained in Drug Abuse Recognition (DAR), BZP symptoms will be present as classic signs of CNS stimulant influence. Fundamental signs of dilated pupils, rapid internal clock and hyperactivity will be present.

Should a reader encounter a situation where suspected methamphetamine use cannot be verified by urinalysis, some thought should be given to the use of “BZP” or some other alternative stimulant drug. More information about “BZP” can be obtained by contacting the MEDTOX DARS Program.

Reproduced with permission from The MEDTOX® Journal