Benzylpiperazine Category: Stimulants

Also called: BZP, legal E, pep pills, herbal E, piperazine, XXX, legal X, majic, elevate, A2, party pills.

How it’s used

You can get benzylpiperazine, or BZP, in a tablet or capsule which you swallow. This is a fairly new drug so we don’t know much about its long-term effects.

Short-term effects

Effects last for 4 to 6 hours
You may feel alert, euphoric and a general sense of wellbeing
Your perception of taste, colour or music may be affected

Long-term effects

Seizures
Irregular heart beat and rise in blood pressure
Fainting
Impotence – you can’t get an erection
Mild memory loss

Other dangers

You risk having a psychotic episodes or seizures if you take high doses.

If you are pregnant

Do not use if you are pregnant as we don’t know enough about the risks to your baby.

Addictive

There seems to be a low risk that you will get physically addicted but a mild risk of psychological dependency, where you feel you can’t cope without it.

Withdrawal

No symptoms as far as we know.

How long does it stay in your system?

There is no urine test for this yet.

The Law

In March 2009, BZP became a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. It is now illegal to possess or sell BZP in Ireland.

What help is available?

Self-help support such as Narcotics Anonymous
Counselling or psychotherapy
Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture
Support from your doctor
Residential treatment programmes (clinics)
Aftercare
One to one or group family support
Contact the Drugs Helpline 1800 459 459 to find out about options in your area

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