Although it is no longer very common in our society, burundanga is still present in some places. A fact that is easily forgotten and always causes conflicts when it is used. This narcotic is very dangerous due to the effects it produces, as it is capable of nullifying the will of people who consume it. For this reason, it is also known as the rapist’s drug. We will tell you what burundanga is and everything related to its consumption.
What exactly is burundanga?
Although its popular name is burundanga, this drug is also known by its original term, scopolamine. A substance from the class of psychotropics that is very commonly associated with rapists. When consumed, it causes a type of psychological paralysis that increases submission to any type of order or imperative message. A fact that makes the person who has taken it completely vulnerable. This drug is especially well regarded by sexual predators and criminals for its great capacity to neutralize their victims. It is common for them to use it with the aim of committing robberies, sexual assaults, and even murders.
How is burundanga created?
The plant from which burundanga originates is called Datura Stramonium. It is an ornamental-looking specimen very common in Spain and Latin America. The substance that generates its effects, scopolamine, comes from a white, bell-shaped flower that grows on its branches. When it blooms, it releases seeds that contain two alkaloids, hyoscyamine and scopolamine.
In its natural and unprocessed origin, this latter alkaloid acts in the body as an extreme relaxant. However, to produce burundanga it is mixed with other chemical substances that increase the intensity of its effects. Therefore, it is not a real drug, but one elaborated and processed with scopolamine as the main ingredient.
Effects on the body
From the outset, this narcotic leaves the person who has ingested it without will and causes complete amnesia for an indeterminate number of hours. Due to its ease of distribution and the complexity of its detection, this drug is usually inserted into drinks in nightlife venues, such as nightclubs, pubs, and concerts. Therefore, when the victim recovers from the effects of burundanga, the last thing they remember is having had a drink at an entertainment venue. For this reason, it is also known as the “zombie drug.”
In the legal field and the health sector, burundanga is also often used, although in very specific cases due to the intensity of its effects. When a medical professional administers it, they must do so in very small doses and for the purpose of treating acute conditions. Some of the most common are:
- Dizziness
- Pupil dilation
- Spasms
- Use as a local analgesic
- Treatment for Parkinson’s disease
Intoxication and most adverse effects
The main component of burundanga, scopolamine, is a substance that is rapidly absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and very easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. This means that, once consumed, the effect it produces on the body is practically immediate. Depending on the dose and quantity, the symptoms of taking burundanga can last several hours. The first three hours being the period of time during which the greatest intensity of this drug occurs.
Burundanga is a substance that functions as an anticholinergic and causes a depressant effect on the person’s central and peripheral nervous system. If they were to suffer intoxication from the drug, they could experience symptoms such as the following:
- Blurred vision, pupil dilation
- Stupor, partial state of consciousness
- Tachycardia
- Urinary retention
- Reduced saliva secretion
- Reduced production of gastric substances
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty speaking
- Fever
- Drowsiness
- Acute amnesia
Addiction specialist physicians
Scopolamine should always be consumed under medical prescription, in very exceptional situations, and with extreme caution. Otherwise, if a person were to suffer an overdose of this substance, they could experience symptoms such as the following:
- Delusions
- Increased aggression
- Disorientation
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
Consequences of burundanga
After the effects of burundanga have passed, the person who has consumed it involuntarily may experience consequences in the form of physical, cognitive, and social disorders. These repercussions are often a traumatic interpretation of the events that occurred during the consumption episode. Therefore, they can generate sequelae, and it is possible that psychological treatment may be needed to overcome the bad experience.
In some cases, consumption or exposure to certain substances can lead to dependency problems or health risk situations. Having an outpatient treatment for addictions allows receiving professional support without the need for admission, facilitating recovery and therapeutic follow-up.
Some of the psychological consequences of having consumed burundanga may be:
- Loss of attention capacity
- Reduced concentration
- Short-term amnesia
- Anxiety
- Social isolation
Support for families of people with addictions
In cases where substance use generates health problems or dependency, it is important to have professional care and know about treatments for other addictions, designed to address different types of consumption from a comprehensive approach.
CCAdicciones is a drug rehabilitation and detoxification center. Contact our addiction therapists and we will help you.
