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Benzylpiperazine-induced acute delirium in a patient with schizophrenia and an incidental temporal meningioma

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

John Tully ,
Brian Hallahan  and
Colm McDonald
John Tully*
Affiliation:
University College Hospital Galway, Ireland
Brian Hallahan
Affiliation:
Roscommon County Hospital, Roscommon and Honorary Research Fellow, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland
Colm McDonald
Affiliation:
University College Hospital Galway and National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland
*
*Correspondence E-mail: john.tully2@hse.ie
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Abstract

Benzylpiperazine is a psychotropic compound that has been widely available until recently from licensed premises such as ‘head shops’. This report describes a case of a 48 year old man with schizophrenia who developed an acute delirium secondary to benzylpiperazine use, although he initially presented as a diagnostic conundrum. Investigation of his delirium unearthed a temporal meningioma which appears to be an incidental finding. This is the first documented case of delirium due to benzylpiperazine use. Benzylpiperazine has significant abuse potential and psychiatric complications. Its sale and possession have recently been made illegal in Ireland, which may limit its abuse in the future.

Keywords

BenzylpiperazineAbuseDelirium
Type
Case report and review
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 28 , Issue 1 , March 2011 , pp. S14 - S16
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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