Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 21, 2025

A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
The Benzydamine Experience: A Systematic Review of Benzydamine Abuse
Stefania Chiappini1, Andrea Miuli2, Alessio Mosca2
1Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse & Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.
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.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
CNS Depressants: Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Anxiolytic Drugs: Benzodiazepines and Buspirone
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. They bind to the GABAA receptor, increasing its affinity for GABA, which opens chloride...
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...

