“Roofies”- Rohypnol

What It Is: Rohypnol, the trade name for flunitrazepam, has been a concern for the last few years because of its abuse as a “date rape” drug.  People may unknowingly be given the drug which, when mixed in a drink, can incapacitate a victim and prevent them from resisting sexual assault. It belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. (WARNING: Mixing the drug with alcohol is extremely dangerous because the two drugs cause similar effects).  Slang/street names include Roofies, Rophies, Roche, Forget-me Pill, etc…

Type of Drug: Central Nervous System Depressant Drug

Method of Use: Taken as a pill

What It Does: This drug produces sedative-hypnotic (causing sleep) effects including muscle relaxation and amnesia (total loss of memory); it can also produce physical and psychological dependence.  Risk of dependence increases with dose and duration of use and is greater in users with a history of alcohol or drug abuse.  This drug can cause profound “anterograde amnesia.”  This means that people may not remember events they experienced while under the effects of the drug, which is why rohypnol has been used in many rapes.  Other effects include low blood pressure, drowsiness, visual problems, dizziness, confusion, stomach problems, and the inability to urinate. 

Health Risks: If physical dependence occurs, withdrawal symptoms may include headaches or muscle pain, extreme anxiety, tension, or restlessness, irritability, derealization (loss of touch with reality) or depersonalization (loss of a sense of personal identity), hallucinations, delirium (a temporary mental disturbance characterized by hallucinations), disorientation, convulsions, shock, or cardiovascular collapse.

Legal Status: Illegal in the United States

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