Rohypnol, The Date Rape Drug
What is the "date rape" drug?
The "date rape" drug is the common name for Rohypnol, generically
called flunitrazepam. Rohypnol is manufactured by Hoffman-La Roche and
prescribed as a sleeping pill in countries outside of the United States. It is
used as a short-term treatment for insomnia, as a sedative hypnotic and a
pre-anesthetic. It has physiological effects similar to Valium (diazepam), but
is approximately ten times more potent. It is used also as an illicit drug,
often in combination with other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and alcohol.
Common names for Rohypnol include the following: rophies, roofies, R2, roofenol,
Roche, roachies, la rocha, rope, rib, circles, Mexican valium, roach-2, roopies,
and ropies. A similar drug is known as clonazepam (Klonopin in the U.S. and
Rivotril in Mexico.)
What does Rohypnol look like?
Rohypnol tablets are white, scored on one side, with the word
"ROCHE" and an encircled one or two (depending on the dosage) on the
other. They are sold in pre-sealed bubble packs of one or two mg doses. Rohypnol
can often be dissolved in a drink, and undetectable.
Is Rohypnol legal?
No, Rohypnol is not manufactured or sold legally in the United States.
However, it is produced and sold legally by prescription in Europe and Latin
America. It is smuggled into the United States by mail or delivery services.
Who uses Rohypnol and how?
Rohypnol use has been reported on every inhabited continent. It is often used
in conjunction with other drugs. It is usually ingested orally, but can be
snorted.
Teen use of Rohypnol is increasing. The most common pattern of use is
by teenagers and young adults as an alcohol extender in an attempt to create a
dramatic "high" most often in combination with beer, or as a drug to
incapacitate a victim before a sexual assault.
Why has there been an increase in teen use of Rohypnol?
First, Rohypnol is a low-cost drug, sold at less than $5.00 per tablet.
Second, common misconceptions may explain the drug's popularity with young
people: 1) many erroneously believe that the drug is unadulterated because it
comes in pre-sealed bubble packs -- and therefore tamper-proof and safe; 2) many
mistakenly think its use cannot be detected by urinalysis testing.
What happens when you take Rohypnol? What are the side effects?
Rohypnol intoxication is generally associated with impaired judgment and
impaired motor skills and can make a victim unable to resist a sexual attack.
The combination of alcohol and Rohypnol is also particularly hazardous because
together, their effects on memory and judgment are greater than the effects
resulting from either taken alone. Effects begin within thirty minutes, peak
within two hours, and can persist for up to eight hours. It is commonly reported
that persons who become intoxicated on a combination of alcohol and
flunitrazepam have "blackouts" lasting eight to twenty-four hours
following ingestion. Disinhibition (losing your social inhibitions) is another
widely reported effect of Rohypnol, when taken alone or in combination with
alcohol. Adverse effects of Rohypnol use include, decreased blood pressure,
memory impairment, drowsiness, visual disturbances,
dizziness, confusion,
gastrointestinal disturbances and urinary retention.
Is Rohypnol addictive?
Yes. Rohypnol can cause physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms include
headache, muscle pain, confusion, hallucinations and convulsions. Seizures may
occur up to a week after cessation of use.
Why is Rohypnol called the "date rape drug"?
Rohypnol has been associated with date rape, and has also been called the
"Forget Pill," "Trip-and-Fall," and
"Mind-Erasers." In combination with alcohol, it can induce a blackout
with memory loss and a decrease in resistance. Girls and women around the
country have reported being raped after being involuntarily sedated with
Rohypnol, which was often slipped into their drink by an attacker. The drug has
no taste or odor so the victims don't realize what is happening. About ten
minutes after ingesting the drug, the woman may feel dizzy and disoriented,
simultaneously too hot and too cold, or nauseated. She may experience difficulty
speaking and moving, and then pass out. Such victims have no memories of what
happened while under the drug's influence.
Are there other "date rape" type drugs?
Since about 1990, GHB (gamma-hydroxybutrate) has been abused in the U.S. for
euphoric, sedative, and anabolic (bodybuilding) effects. As with Rohypnol, GHB
has been associated with sexual assault in cites throughout the country. Common
names include, "liquid ecstasy," "somatomax,"
"scoop," or "grievous bodily harm."
How can I avoid becoming a victim of rape under the influence of Rohypnol or
GHB?
Here are a few suggestions for staying aware and alert:
-
Be wary about accepting drinks from anyone you don't know
well or long enough to trust. · If you are accepting a drink, make sure
it's from an unopened container and that you open it yourself.
-
Don't put your drink down and leave it unattended, even to
go to the restroom.
-
Notify other females you know about the effects of this
dangerous drug.
-
If you think that you have been a victim, notify the
authorities immediately.
The above information has been provided with the kind permission of The National
Women's Health Information Center (www.4women.gov).
Last Editorial Review: 11/18/2002
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