Rohypnol
Rohypnol, also known as flunitrazepam, is a powerful benzodiazepine that was first synthesized in 1972 as a sleeping aid and anesthetic. Although it was initially used for legitimate medical purposes, its illicit use began shortly after its release and grew significantly in popularity, especially within the nightlife scene in the 1990s. Rohypnol is often associated with its misuse as a "date rape" drug due to its ability to sedate and impair memory in those who unknowingly consume it.
In the United States, Rohypnol is not approved for medical use and is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance because of its potential for dependence. Due to its dangers, many states have reclassified it as a Schedule I substance, reflecting its high potential for abuse with no legitimate medical purpose. The drug’s effects include euphoria, relaxation, and sedation, but it can also lead to severe short-term consequences, such as amnesia and impaired coordination. Additionally, when mixed with alcohol or other drugs, the risks of serious side effects increase significantly, including respiratory depression. Despite attempts to reformulate the drug for increased visibility in drinks, Rohypnol misuse continues to be a pressing concern.
Subject Terms
Rohypnol
Also known as: Circles; date rape drug; flunitrazepam; forget-me pill; La rocha; lunch money drug; Mexican Valium; R-2; Reynolds; roachies; roofies; rophies; Row-shay; wolfies
Definition: Rohypnol is the brand name for flunitrazepam, a potent benzodiazepine with strong sedative-hypnotic properties similar to Valium. It is considered a central nervous system depressant that slows brain activity to induce sedation.
Status: Illegal in the United States but legal in many countries worldwide
Classification: Schedule IV controlled substance ; numerous US states consider it a schedule I controlled substance
Source: Synthetic compound with no natural sources and smuggled into the United States
Transmission route: Oral ingestion (as tablet and liquid); also snorted in its crushed form
History of Use
Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) was first synthesized in Europe in 1972 by Hoffman-La Roche Pharmaceuticals as a sleeping aid and an anesthetic. Its illicit use began in 1975, once it was marketed as Rohypnol. Rohypnol became a popular recreational drug because of its intoxicating effects. By the 1990s, Rohypnol gained recognition in the United States as a club drug among young adults in bars and nightclubs and at raves and concerts. Rohypnol quickly achieved a reputation as a “date rape” drug for use in sexual assaults because it readily disappears in drinks and then sedates, incapacitates, and erases the memory of persons who consume it. Rohypnol became one of the most dangerous benzodiazepines available.
Rohypnol is not approved for any use, even medical, in the United States but is legal in numerous countries worldwide. It is classified with other benzodiazepines as a schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (1970) as a drug with potential dependence. Once Rohypnol’s dangers were recognized, numerous US states reclassified it as a schedule I controlled substance with no legitimate medical use. This prompted the US Congress to pass the Drug-Induced Rape Prevention and Punishment Act (1996) to increase penalties for distributing a controlled substance to unknowing persons. Despite reformulation efforts to increase the visibility of Rohypnol tablets in drinks, its misuse remains a concern.
Effects and Potential Risks
Like other benzodiazepines, Rohypnol acts by stimulating the release and binding of gamma-amino butyric acid, a natural nerve-calming agent, to receptors in the brain. This effect causes brain activity to slow and then to induce sleep, reduce anxiety, and relax muscles.
Rohypnol’s short-term effects are attributed to its sedative properties. It induces feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and intoxication. Negative short-term effects include amnesia, blackouts, drowsiness, confusion, nausea, and impaired coordination.
Rohypnol is a dangerous and potent substance. It is often used with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, to enhance a high or to alleviate symptoms of withdrawal. When combined with alcohol, Rohypnol can cause serious disorientation and memory loss. Furthermore, it is a tasteless and odorless drug that is easily, and often unknowingly, consumed.
Similar to other benzodiazepines, long-term Rohypnol use can lead to mental difficulties, aggression, dependence, and addiction. High doses of Rohypnol can cause respiratory depression.
Bibliography
Adams, Colleen. Rohypnol: Roofies—“The Date Rape Drug.” New York: Rosen, 2007. Print.
Doweiko, Harold. Concepts of Chemical Dependency. Belmont: Brooks, 2009. Print.
Drug Enforcement Administration. “Rohypnol.” Drugs of Abuse, 2015 Edition. US Dept. of Justice, 2015. PDF file.
Kuhn, Cynthia, Scott Swartzwelder, and Wilkie Wilson. Buzzed: The Straight Facts about the Most Used and Abused Drugs from Alcohol to Ecstasy. Rev. 4th ed. New York: Norton, 2014. Print.
Larsen, Laura, ed. Drug Abuse Sourcebook. 4th ed. Detroit: Omnigraphics, 2014. Print.
Mistlin, Alex. "Fears over Availability of 'Date Rape' Drugs Online." The Guardian, 24 Oct. 2021, www.theguardian.com/society/2021/oct/24/fears-over-availability-of-date-drugs-online. Accessed 2 Dec. 2022.