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Determining the subjective effects of TFMPP in human males

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Abstract

Rationale

Trifluoromethylphenyl piperazine (TFMPP) is an active constituent of a relatively new group of recreational drugs known as ‘party pills’. TFMPP has been anecdotally reported to induce mild psychedelic effects similar to lysergic acid diethylamide and psilocybin. There has been no research about the subjective effects of TFMPP in humans.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the subjective effects of TFMPP in human males.

Methods

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial design was used to investigate the subjective effects of TFMPP in 30 healthy, non-smoking male volunteers (mean age 24 ± 4 years). Participants were randomised into two groups and given either TFMPP 60 mg (n = 15) or placebo (n = 15). Each participant completed three rating scales, the Addiction Research Centre Inventory (ARCI), the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and the Visual Analogue Scales (VAS), both before and 120 min after drug administration.

Results

Results from the ARCI indicated that TFMPP produced increases in ‘dysphoria’ and ‘dexamphetamine-like effects’. TFMPP also increased ratings of ‘tension/anxiety’ and ‘confusion/bewilderment’ as rated on the POMS. Results from the VAS indicated increases in ‘drug liking’, ‘high’ and ‘stimulated’ ratings relevant to placebo.

Conclusions

Increased ratings of ‘dexamphetamine-like effects’, ‘tension/anxiety’, ‘stimulated’ and ‘high’ following TFMPP administration resemble the subjective effects of common amphetamine-type stimulants. However, increases in ‘dysphoria’ and ‘confusion/bewilderment’ ratings following TFMPP are more commonly associated with drugs that have greater effects on serotonin release, binding and reuptake such as 1-[3-chlorophenyl]-piperazine, fenfluramine and lysergic acid diethylamide.

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Acknowledgements

This study was sponsored by the Health Research Council of New Zealand. The authors would like to acknowledge Dr. John Sollers and Associate Professor Nathan Consedine for their statistical advice. The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Pharmacy, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand

    Reem K. Jan, Joanne C. Lin, HeeSeung Lee, Janie L. Sheridan & Bruce R. Russell

  2. Department for Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand

    Rob R. Kydd

  3. Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand

    Ian J. Kirk

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  1. Reem K. Jan
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  2. Joanne C. Lin
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Correspondence to Reem K. Jan.

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Jan, R.K., Lin, J.C., Lee, H. et al. Determining the subjective effects of TFMPP in human males. Psychopharmacology 211, 347–353 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-010-1911-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-010-1911-y

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