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| Journal of the New Zealand Medical Association,
16-December-2005, Vol 118 No 1227
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Toxic effects of BZP-based herbal party pills in humans: a
prospective study in Christchurch, New Zealand
Paul Gee, Sandra Richardson,
Wolfram Woltersdorf, Grant Moore
(Herbal) party pills have become widely available and are
very commonly used amongst young New Zealanders during the past 18 months (since
mid-2004). These pills have been marketed as ‘herbal’ and
‘safe’. The accumulating evidence of toxicity challenges these
claims, however.
Party pills are taken for their ability to increase
alertness as well as elevate mood and energy. The main ingredient in most party
pills in New Zealand (NZ) is 1-benzylpiperazine (BZP) which is predominantly a
synthetic sympathomimetic of approximately one-tenth the potency of
dexamphetamine1 (see Figure 1 for structural comparison). BZP is one of a family
of piperazine-based psychoactive compounds. It is sometimes mixed with a similar
compound trifluormethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP) in an attempt to mimic the
psychoactive effects of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or
‘ecstasy’).2
Figure 1. Structural comparisons of four related
substances, including BZP
 BZP is chemically synthesised and is not a naturally
occurring substance. It is most commonly classified under the class of
‘designer drugs’. Most BZP on the NZ market seems to be manufactured
and imported from East Asia. The chemical process to manufacture BZP is
straightforward and there are reports that it is being locally manufactured in
kitchens.
BZP was originally synthesised by Wellcome Research
Laboratories UK as a potential anthelmintic for
livestock.3 It was not used because it was
relatively ineffective and caused adverse effects such as seizures in mammals.
Decades later, it was found that BZP caused hyperactivity, involuntary head
movements, and a reduction in reaction times in humans—reactions also
associated with amphetamines.1
A cluster of human studies was done in the 1970s to
investigate BZP as a potential antidepressant.drug.1,4,5 Research was halted
after it was found to have subjective and physiological effects very similar to
dexamphetamine. One study showed that chronic amphetamine users could not
distinguish between equipotent doses of BZP and dexamphetamine.4 The researchers
recommended that BZP be placed under the same statutory control as amphetamines.
A BZP prodrug was investigated as an antidepressant in Hungary in the 1980s but
abandoned in phase 2 trials because of adverse side effects.6 BZP is a schedule
1 illegal stimulant in the USA7 and is controlled in all states of Australia.
BZP has a complex action working directly and indirectly on
central monoamine receptors. It can cause the stimulation independent release of
noradrenaline as well as blocking synaptic reuptake.8
BZP also shows amphetamine like stimulation and reuptake
inhibition of dopamine (DA) and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are
responsible for the psychoactive properties of BZP.9,10 The peripheral actions
of BZP on alpha-2 adrenoceptors mediate reflex tachycardia and hypertension.
The pharmacokinetics and human metabolism of BZP are
incompletely understood, although BZP is known to be poorly metabolised and is
largely excreted unchanged by the kidneys. Staack et al have recently carried
out studies on metabolic pathways and postulated several enzymatic steps.11 The
cytochrome P450 enzyme system CYP2D6 appears to be a central component in the
degradation of BZP. This enzyme is known for its genetic polymorphism, which may
explain the erratic distribution of adverse toxic effects, especially when
coadministered with other drugs such as MDMA.12 Another enzyme involved in the
breakdown of BZP is
catechol-O-methyl-transferase (COMT),
which is also known to express genetically determined variations of activity. No
information is available on interactions with other prescribed or recreational
drugs, effects on carrier protein binding, or toxicity of metabolites. Additive
effects are likely but more research is required in the area.
BZP is occasionally misrepresented to users as the illicit
drug known as ‘ecstasy’. For several years BZP has been sold free of
any legal constraint. As of July 2005, BZP is legally available for sale only to
adults over 18 years of age in New Zealand. It is available under at least 120
brand names/synonyms (including Frenzy, Bliss,
Charge, Herbal ecstasy, A2, and Legal
X). It is sold in capsules, pill, or powder form from an increasing
number of retailers.
Patients presented to Christchurch Hospital’s
Emergency Department (ED) with BZP toxicity as early as 4 years ago.
Presentations were very infrequent up till 2004, however, when a sudden
escalation began. In 2005, four to five patients per weekend have been seen with
adverse and toxic effects from these pills. This increase in presentations is
consistent with the increasing number of outlets seen in Christchurch. There is
almost no human toxicity research available that can help us manage these cases.
Experimental research was based on much smaller “therapeutic” doses.
There have been recent case reports of deaths associated with BZP in combination
with other sympathomimetics though no deaths attributed to BZP alone.13,14 There
are no series describing BZP toxicity in humans.
MethodsChristchurch Hospital’s Emergency Department has
an annual census of 65,000 patients, and services a city population of 340,000.
All ambulance and emergency self-referrals are seen in this facility.
An increase in
presentations was detected in late 2004 and a pilot retrospective audit of BZP
presentations was undertaken to detect general patterns of toxicity. From this
study, a standardised reporting form was developed. From 1 April 2005 to 1
September 2005 all presentations associated with party pill use were
prospectively captured. Several representative cases had their hospital visits
cost-analysed to estimate the financial impact of BZP patients on our
institution. Selected cases with severe toxicity had urine or blood samples sent
to confirm the presence of BZP or other illicit substances.
ResultsDuring the 5 months of data collection (1
April 2005 to 1 September 2005), 61
patients attended a total of 80 occasions with adverse effects after ingestion
of party pills. The male to female ratio was 1:1.3. The age range was 15 to 36
years with a mean of 20.4 and a mode of 18 years (see Figure 2). Patients
reported the number of pills they had taken in 61 instances (not known or
unrecorded in 19 instances); the average was 4.5 tablets (range was 1 to 25).
Alcohol was coingested on 39/80, marijuana in 12/80, and nitrous oxide used in
10/80 presentations respectively. Four patients used multiple illicit
coningestants which included MDMA, LSD, and ritalin.
Figure 2. Age distribution of BZP users admitted to
Christchurch Hospital’s Emergency Department from April to September 2005
for adverse reactions
 Patients experienced symptoms such as anxiety, vomiting,
headache, palpitations, confusion, collapse, and seizures. Some symptoms had
persisted for up to 24 hours after ingestion. Symptoms and their frequency are
listed in Figure 3.
Vital signs showed expected sympathomimetic effects in
patients with tachycardia and hypertension. Electrocardiograph recordings showed
all patients were in sinus rhythm and most had a sinus tachycardia. A prolonged
QTc was noted in 32% of patients. All other intervals were within normal limits
and no supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmias were detected. Vital sign
recordings and QTc are recorded in Figure 4.
One patient presented with minor symptoms of BZP toxicity
and a plasma sodium of 118 mmol/L. Serum osmolality measured 242 mosmol/kg and
other biochemical and haematological indices were normal. The measurement was
repeated to rule out sampling error. The sodium returned to normal 5 hours
later.
Seizures after BZP-use occurred in 14 patients, with one
patient having had seizures on two occasions. Seizures when witnessed or
described were of the grand mal type. Seizures occurred on average 3.9 hours
after reported ingestion of party pills with a range between 30 minutes and 8
hours.
Figure 3. Symptoms of BZP ingestion noted in 80
admissions of 61 patients attending Christchurch Hospital’s Emergency
Department in mid-2005
 Patients who had seizures appeared not to have taken more
tablets than non-seizing-patients (average taken 4.3 pills vs 4.55 in
non-seizing patients p=0.75).
Following are details of three cases from the severe
toxicity group.
Patient 1—A
16-year-old female was out at a sporting event with friends. She had taken three
party pills at 1900 hours (7pm) and took one more pill at 2030 hours (8:30pm).
No alcohol had been used. She had no suicidal or self-harm intent.
At 2300 hrs (11pm) she collapsed in a crowd and had a
witnessed tonic clonic seizure. The ambulance arrived when the patient was
postictal. Seizure activity started again and two doses of diazepam were
required to stop the seizures. The patient was totally unresponsive, with a
Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) of 3/15 and she was intubated for airway control then
transferred to Christchurch Hospital. On arrival she had a heart rate of 149, a
blood pressure of 70/55 mmHg, blood sugar level of 5.6 mmol/L, and a temperature
of 36°C.
She had three further seizures in the Emergency Department
and her first blood gas showed a severe combined metabolic and respiratory
acidosis with a pH of 6.87, pCO2 of 60 mmHg, pO2 of 115 mmHg on supplemental
oxygen, HCO3 of 10.7 mmol/L (23.0–29.0),
and base excess of –23 mmol/L (-3 to +3). The patient was transferred to
Intensive Care Unit (ICU). She was extubated and 12 hours later she had a GCS of
15/15. This patient had no history of seizure disorders or drug abuse. A week
later she reported that she “ felt unwell but better” and appeared
to have suffered no apparent long-term adverse effects. Subsequent toxicological
analysis of urine revealed the presence of BZP and metabolites and no other
identifiable illicit drugs or alcohol.
Patient
2—An 18-year-old female patient had a total of five seizures and
had a recorded plasma pH of 6.64 (again a mixed metabolic and respiratory
acidosis). This patient was intubated and transferred to the ICU. Urinalysis
from this patient also confirmed the presence of BZP with no other toxic agents.
Patient 2 was subsequently extubated and recovered with no apparent long-term
effects.
Patient 3—A
25-year-old male patient took two party pills with alcohol in the evening, then
he took two more the following morning. He then had a tonic seizure 3 hours
later while driving a car. The front passenger took control to avert a head-on
collision and was able to bring the vehicle to a halt. The seizure lasted
approximately 3 minutes followed by a postictal phase. The patient had a pulse
of 170 bpm, blood pressure of 148/75 mmHg, and blood sugar level of 5.4 mmol/L.
On arrival to the ED he was drowsy but conversant with no focal neurological
signs. He had no known seizure disorder or alcohol dependence. Plasma
biochemistry was normal; and urine showed metabolites of BZP, ethanol, and no
other drugs.
During the study period benzodiazepines were administered in
14/80 cases for general agitation, in 11/80 cases for panic attacks or
palpitations, and for seizures in 3/80 cases (the remaining 12 seizure cases
stopped fitting spontaneously). Antiemtics and intravenous fluids were required
in 11/80 cases. Two patients required urinary catheterisation for
retention.
Forty-nine patients were seen and treated in the ED with an
average length of stay (LOS) of 4.2 hours. The average cost of these
consultations was $NZ350 per visit which includes investigations, doctor time,
staff nurse time, and fixed overhead expenses. Twenty-nine patients were
admitted for a period of observation (average LOS 11 hours at an average cost of
$NZ500 per visit). Two patients were admitted to the ICU then stayed a further
day on an inpatient ward (average cost of $NZ3500 per visit).
DiscussionThis study group is the largest cohort with BZP toxicity
recorded internationally. This study was possible because of the unrestricted
availability and use of BZP in New Zealand.
Females presented with adverse effects more frequently than
males. This may be because the BZP-containing party pills are not dosed per
weight; therefore females being generally smaller may be taking a relatively
higher dose than. BZP is available in dose packages ranging from 70 mg to 1000
mg in Christchurch so analysis of pill numbers taken bears no relation to actual
dose taken. This is reflected in the average number of pills taken in seizure
versus non-seizure patients of 4.3 and 4.5, respectively.
Many patients take multiple doses of BZP because the first
dose does not produce the desired effects immediately. Previous research
confirmed that the physiological effects of BZP are not felt for up to 2 hours
after oral ingestion.1 Slow onset of action and slow abatement of symptoms are
characteristic for this drug when taken orally. Exceeding recommended package
doses may result in increased toxicity with some patients experiencing
palpitations and/or vomiting for up to 24 hours after ingestion. Furthermore,
some users now inject BZP intravenously to experience a faster onset of action,
although this is reported as being painful due to is alkalinity (raw BZP in
solution has a pH≥12).
Most patients with minor toxicity present with palpitations,
agitation, nausea, and vomiting. Other effects observed were intractable
vomiting, confusion, and collapse. Some presented with insomnia or inability to
pass urine. Most of these patients responded to reassurance, a period of
observation, and very selective use of benzodiazepines. The number of patients
who present to hospital for treatment probably represent a very small fraction
of users in any particular weekend. Indeed, it has been estimated by the Social Tonics Association New Zealand
(STANZ) that more than 8 million doses of BZP have been sold in NZ to
date.14
Also observed (but not tallied) were patients with facial
dystonia and trismus. One patient presented with minor symptoms and a plasma
sodium measured at 118 mmol/L. Acute hyponatraemia has been well-described with
MDMA and is possibly caused by the stimulated release of antidiuretic hormone. A
similar mechanism may be responsible with BZP. There have also been reports of
BZP causing either a toxic paranoid psychosis or exacerbations of existing
mental illness.15,16 Such events were not observed during the study period,
however.
Of greatest concern are 14 patients who had seizures after
the ingestion of party drugs. BZP appears to induce toxic seizures in
neurologically normal subjects. Two displayed airway compromise and metabolic
derangements that were potentially fatal. It is not clear whether this is a
dose-related effect as yet—one patient reported taking 12 tablets before a
seizure and one reported having only taken two tablets prior to having a
seizure. In animal studies, 10 mg/kg of BZP is enough to induce seizures in most
laboratory rats.9 Genetic polymorphism in the cytochrome P450 or COMT system may
possibly account for severe toxicity in some patients. One of the 14 patients
had known epilepsy but the remainder had no past history of neurological
disorders.
Based on this study’s results, the authors make the
following recommendations for the management of BZP toxicity. Patients with
seizure disorders, psychiatric illness or coronary disease should avoid BZP as
should those taking prescription sympathomimetics or anticholinergics
(prescription antidepressants). Coingestion with MDMA or amphetamine should also
be cautioned against, as this combination could lead to fatal toxicity.12,13 And
users should not drive for at least 8 hours after ingesting BZP.
When patients present to healthcare-facilities with BZP
toxicity they should receive an electrocardiograph and an estimation of plasma
sodium. Those with moderate to severe toxicity may require treatment with
benzodiazepines, intravenous fluids, and antiemetics. These patients should be
observed for 6–8 hours post-BZP ingestion in case of delayed seizure.
Toxic seizures should be treated with benzodiazepines and airway management.
Barbiturates may be required in status epilepticus.17
The World Anti-Doping Agency and the New Zealand Sports Drug
Agency have banned BZP in competitive sport from 2005. The Misuse of Drugs
(Amendment) No. 3 Bill has now been enacted creating a new category of
controlled but not banned substances (Schedule D). BZP has been placed on this
schedule and it is now illegal to sell BZP to minors. The Ministry of Health
(MOH) in NZ has determined that there is inadequate information about BZP to put
stronger controls on its distribution at present.18 They have commissioned
research into BZP toxicity and studies are under way at the National Poisons
Centre and other centres.
More research is needed into the pharmacokinetics and dose
response of BZP in humans, as is research to monitor the social impact of having
designer drugs legally available in NZ. There are at least three other
piperazine-based substances and other psychoactives that could potentially be
marketed in NZ under Schedule D. These substances are not classified as foods,
dietary supplements, or medicines so no evidence of safety in human consumption
is required before they can be sold to the public.
Many users are currently taking BZP-based pills without
significant adverse effects. However, the results of this study indicate that
BZP can cause unpredictable and serious toxicity in some individuals. BZP is
currently a legal stimulant in NZ and this status makes it available and
attractive to a far wider market of users than if it were illicit. Moreover, it
has propagated a culture of accepting pill use as a normal behaviour at parties.
These factors should be carefully weighed in any consideration of the legal
status of piperazine-based party pills.
In 2006, the Drug Policy Unit at the MOH plan to review the
available evidence on the safety of BZP.
Author information:
Paul Gee, Emergency Physician, Emergency Department, Christchurch Hospital;
Sandra Richardson, Nurse Researcher, Christchurch Hospital; Wolfram W W
Woltersdorf, Clinical Senior Lecturer, Canterbury Health Laboratories; Grant
Moore, Medlab Scientist, Canterbury Health Laboratories; Canterbury District
Health Board, Christchurch
Correspondence: Dr
Paul Gee, Emergency Department, Christchurch Hospital, Private Bag 4710,
Christchurch. Fax: (03) 3640286 email: Paul.Gee@cdhb.govt.nz
References:
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