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Rohypnol as a Date Rape Drug

What is Rohypnol?

  • Rohypnol is a brand name for Flunitrazepam, a powerful sedative in the benzodiazepine class of drugs.
  • Rohypnol has never been approved for use in the United States; however, it is legally prescribed for medical use in more than 50 foreign countries for the treatment of insomnia and as a pre-anesthetic.
  • Widely known as a date-rape drug, Rohypnol is abused more frequently for other reasons -- to produce profound intoxication, boost the high of heroin, and modulate the effects of cocaine.

Street Names

  • "Roofies" and "Roach"

How is it taken?

  • Rohypnol is available in small white tablets that can be taken orally, ground up and dissolved in a drink, or snorted.

What are the effects of Rohypnol?

  • The pharmacological effects of Rohypnol include sedation, muscle relaxation, reduction in anxiety and prevention of convulsions. It is seven to 10 times more potent than .
  • Rohypnol may cause users to feel intoxicated; they may have slurred speech, impaired judgment and difficulty walking.
  • Rohypnol also causes partial amnesia, and individuals are often unable to remember certain events that they experienced while under the influence of the drug.
  • The effects appear 10 to 20 minutes after taking the drug.
  • The effects last between four and 24 hours.

What are the dangers of Rohypnol?

  • Immediate adverse effects include drowsiness, dizziness, loss of motor control, lack of coordination, slurred speech, confusion and gastrointestinal disturbances.
  • Rohypnol can cause deep sedation, respiratory distress and blackouts that can last up to 24 hours.
  • Chronic use can result in physical dependence and withdrawal syndrome when the drug is no longer used.
  • There is a potential for overdose or death to occur, especially when mixed with alcohol or other drugs.
  • Chronic use of flunitrazepam can result in physical and psychological dependence and the appearance of a withdrawal syndrome when the drug is discontinued.

Is it addictive?

Chronic use of flunitrazepam can result in physical and psychological dependence and the appearance of a withdrawal syndrome when the drug is discontinued.

APA Reference
Staff, H. (2021, December 18). Rohypnol as a Date Rape Drug, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, October 8 from https://www.healthyplace.com/sex/date-rape/rohypnol-as-a-date-rape-drug

Last Updated: March 26, 2022

Medically reviewed by Harry Croft, MD

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