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What are party pills?Party pills are often marketed as ‘herbal; or as dietary supplements. Some pills include a combination of vitamins and minerals to reduce the hangover and coming down effects. |
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These products are synthetically combined – they are not natural or herbal. They usually contain the substances benzylpiperazine (BZP) or (TFMPP) Trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine.
Reducing the risk of taking party pills
No use – no risk
Avoid mixing party pills with other drugs, including alcohol, as some combinations can be fatal.
Ask for information, read the labels, follow instructions and stick to the recommended dose on packs.
Eat healthily and keep fit – this gives the body the fuel it needs to keep partying and helps minmise the ‘crash’ the next day.
It is also wise to have someone in your group of friends who knows what to do if someone overdoses or reacts badly to the pills.
If involved in an accident or require medical attention tell the ambulance officer, nurses or doctor what pills have been taken.
What are the risks of taking party pills?
Party pills and ‘herbal’ highs can:
- Stimulate the central nervous system.
- Change the natural balance of chemicals in the brain by stimulating the production of serotonin, dopamine and adrenalin.
Depending on the dosage and the variety of pill(s) taken, the effects of these changes to your body can lead to:
- Insomnia
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Tremors
- Paranoia
- Clenching of teeth
- Increased or erratic heart rate and raised blood pressure
- Water retention or dehydration. This is especially the case if used with alcohol
Heavy use of party pills
High doses of party pills and ‘herbal’ highs can lead to:
- Hallucinations
- Convulsions
- Slowed breathing
The effects are similar but less potent than those of hallucinogenic amphetamines – speed and ecstasy – although they do lead to the same chemical changes in the brain.
If you are drug tested after taking party pills or ‘herbal’ highs, you will show positive for amphetamines.
There are increased risks from using party pills for people who have:
- A heart condition
- Liver damage
- Anorexia
- A diagnosis or family history of mental, psychiatric or psychological ill-health
- Or are taking some medications
The longer term effects are not known yet but it is possible that over-use can lead to long term changes in the way the brain produces chemicals naturally.
Use During Pregnancy
No use – no risk
There is no evidence to show how BZP or TFMPP affect the foetus when a pregnant woman takes party pills. However it does cross the placenta so it is recommended that products containing these substances are not used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding/producing breast milk.
Why do people take party pills?
The chemical changes these products make usually lead to the attractive effects of ‘herbal’ high pills such as:
- Feelings of euphoria
- Intense energy that can last up to 6 or more hours
What pills are legal?
On 1 April 2008 BZP was classified as a Class C1 drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act, making it illegal to import, export, sell, and have in your possession or to use party pills and 'herbal' highs containing BZP.
Note: An amnesty of six months is in place from the 1 April 2008 for the possession of 5 grams, 100 flakes, tablets, capsules, or other drug forms containing BZP for personal use.
Any Concerns?
If you have any concerns about party pills or ‘herbal’ highs, or would like to know more, please phone our helpline on 0800 787 797.