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DOH warns against using three trendy new designer drugs

The government on Friday warned the public of the hazards — including coma and death — of three designer drugs that have recently been seized in raids on night clubs and from passengers entering the country from New Zealand and Australia.

Liu Chia-juey (柳家瑞), a drug analyst at the National Bureau of Controlled Drugs under the Department of Health, said that justice and aviation officials have informed the bureau of three problem drugs: BZP, TFMPP and DOB.

NOT ECSTASY

The three are often sold to unsuspecting users as the popular club drug “ecstasy” (the common name for the amphetamine MDMA) or promoted as an ecstasy alternative.

BZP, or benzylpiperazine, is a synthetic stimulant; TFMPP, or trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine, is a hallucinogen; and DOB, or Brolamfetamine, is also a hallucinogen.

Liu said that BZP and TFMPP are listed as first-grade medical drugs in the US, while DOB is banned.

But in Taiwan, the use of BZP and TFMPP has not been restricted, while DOB is listed as a second-grade medical drug that is illegal to possess or sell.

VOMIT, CRAMPS, COMA

There have been several cases of DOB-related deaths in other countries, Liu said. He added that even low doses of the drug can cause vomiting, cramps and even coma.

The combination of BZP and TFMPP produces a range of side effects, including pronounced visual effects and a “hangover.” The use of TFMPP on its own can cause insomnia, nausea or headaches.

Yang Chen-chang (楊振昌), from the Taipei Veterans General Hospital’s poison control center, said that a patient he treated died from liver and kidney failure after taking the illicit drugs at a house party.

VARIED EFFECTS

Yang warned the public to avoid the three drugs because their effects vary dramatically from one person to another based on body chemistry, age, gender and dosage.

He warned that a “cocktail” mix of the three drugs, even in low doses, could cause stroke or psychosis.

People often let down their guard against these drugs because of their colorful and attractive packaging, said Yang, expressing concerns that large amounts of the substance may have already made their way into the nation’s night clubs.
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