Rohypnol is Hoffman-LaRoches registered trade name for flunitrazepam, a benzodiazepine agonist that is illegal in the United States. Rohypnol is a tranquilizer like Valium but 10x more potent and it is often referred to as the "date-rape drug" because of its dis-inhibiting effect, especially when mixed with alcohol. It also causes amnesia after the effects have worn out.

Cost

Street Names

rophies, roofies, ruffies, R2, roofenol, roche and roachies

Methods of Consumption

Rohypnol (counterfeit or legal) is typically sold in the original bubble packaging produced by the original drug manufacturer. Rohypnol is often used with a combination of other drugs, especially alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and heroin.

Specifically dealing with the issue of date rape, it is mixed into a drink (water, soda, alcohol) as the tablet dissolves instantly. It is tasteless, odorless and colorless. Usually within half an hour, the effects of both dis-inhibition and amnesia afterwards come into full effect.

Consequences & Associated Risks

Rohypnol can lead to physical and psychological dependence, which only gets worse the longer the person is consumes to the drug. The physical effects of use include drowsiness, headaches, memory impairment, dizziness, anxiety, nightmares and general central nervous system impairment.

Effects

Rohypnol produces sedative effects, including amnesia, muscle relaxation, and the slowing of psychomotor performance. Sedation occurs 20 to 30 minutes after administration of a 2mg tablet and lasts up to 8 hours. The effects become greatly increased when taken with alcohol, nitrous oxide, fentanyl or ketamine.

Benefits

Rohypnol is used to treat severe sleep disorders and serious psychiatric disorders.

Once its effects dissipate, how do you feel?

Withdrawal symptoms range from headache, muscle pain and confusion to hallucinations and convulsions. Seizures may occur a week or more after cessation of use.

Medically supervised detoxification using diminishing doses of other denzodiazepines is essential to prevent major withdrawal symptoms.

Signs of an Overdose

Lethal overdose is unlikely

Additional Notes

In order to reduce its use as a date rap drug, Hoffmann-La Roche is now looking at introducing taste or color into the drug and creating a tablet that would dissolve more slowly in liquid.