Title:The Benzydamine Experience: A Systematic Review of Benzydamine Abuse
Volume: 19
Issue: 10
Author(s): Stefania Chiappini, Andrea Miuli, Alessio Mosca, Mauro Pettorruso, Amira Guirguis, Martin Corkery John, Giovanni Martinotti, Massimo Di Giannantonio and Fabrizio Schifano*
Affiliation:
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse & Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire,United Kingdom
Keywords:
Benzydamine, benzydamine misuse, over-the-counter drug abuse, NPS, novel psychoactive substances.
Abstract:
Background: Both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs recently emerged
among novel psychoactive substances (NPS) being reported as ingested for recreational purposes.
Among them, benzydamine (BZY), normally prescribed as an OTC anti-inflammatory drug, is reportedly
being diverted and recreationally used.
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate how the misuse of BZY has been reported, illustrating
its psychotropic molecular mechanism, and studying its psychopathological effects.
Methods: We firstly conducted a systematic review of the literature concerning the abuse of BZY
and its effects. For data gathering purposes, both PRISMA and PROSPERO guidelines were followed.
All research methods were approved by PROSPERO (identification code
CRD42020187266). Second, we analysed BZY-related data from the European Monitoring Agency
(EMA) Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) database recorded during 2005-2020 regarding its
abuse.
Results: Eleven articles, published during 1997-2019, were included in our systematic review, including
five case reports, four surveys, and two retrospective case series analyses. While nine articles
dealt with the recreational use of BZY, two described an oral overdose of the drug. When specified,
dosages of BZY consumed ranged from 500 to 1500mg. The EMA dataset contained three
cases of BZY abuse.
Conclusion: Results from the systematic review showed BZY might be diverted for typical hallucinogenic
properties occurring at high dosages. Healthcare professionals should be warned about a
possible misuse/abuse of a commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory drug and be vigilant when prescribing
it. Physicians working in emergency units should know that psychotic symptoms may be
related to BZY abuse.