Beware
Date Rape Drug - Rohypnol
Rohypnol (Generic name: Flunitrazepam) is a is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine, with similar properties to the Valium.
Its molecular formula of C16H12FN3O3. (http://chemistry.about.com/od/factsstructures/ig/Chemical-Structures---R/Rohypnol---Flunitrazepam.htm)
Rohypnol is classified as a Schedule IV depressant.
Slang terms for Rohypnol are: The “date rape drug”, forget me drug, roches, roofies, ruffles; other names include, la roche, R2, rib, roach, roofenol, rope, rophies, the forget pill, getting roached, lunch money drug, Mexican Valium, pingus, Reynolds, Robutal, and wolfies. (http://www.drugs.com/rohypnol.html)
Ways to ingest Rohypnol are - Consumption ( Rohypnol was previously available as a white tablet that dissolves without color or taste, is now formulated as a caplet that is light green with a blue core to help identify tampered drinks at clubs). Rohypnol is usually consumed orally, and is often combined with alcohol. (http://www.drugs.com/rohypnol.html) Snorting crushed tablets of Rohypnol (http://www.drugs.com/rohypnol.html) Injection by dissolving Rohypnol
The medicinal uses of Rohypnol is banned in the United States of America, and its importation is banned.
Similar drugs with the same effects include but are not limited to: Valium. “Club drugs” also used for the same purpose as Rohypnol - as a date rape drug include GHB and Ketamine. (http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/club-drugs-ghb-ketamine-rohypnol)
Effects of Rohypnol include:
Effects of Rohypnol include:
Binding to at least two sites in the brain: the GABAB receptor and a specific GHB binding site. At high doses, GHB’s sedative effects may result in sleep, coma, or death.
Anterograde amnesia - in which individuals may not remember events they experienced while under the influence of the drug.
Distortion of perceptions of sight and sound and produces feelings of detachment from the environment and self.
Rohypnol can remain in your system for up to 3-5 days.
(http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/club-drugs-ghb-ketamine-rohypnol)
Repeated use (dependence) of Rohypnol stems from withdrawal, as symptoms of this kind of withdrawal are severe - including insomnia, anxiety, tremors, and sweating. Severe withdrawal reactions among patients are usually present from an overdose especially if other drugs or alcohol are involved. This is why it is particularly important to “watch your drink” in nightclubs. (http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/club-drugs-ghb-ketamine-rohypnol)
MYTH - many people think that the drug cannot be detected, so they have no fear of being caught. In the contrary, Rohypnol can be easily detected in urine for up to 72 hours after taking it.
Risks include:
Dependence
Coma and seizures
Impaired motor function
Imprisonment
Teenagers and young males age 13 to 30 have been noted as the primary abusers of Rohypnol.
(http://www.duffysrehab.com/blog/destroying-the-myths-of-rohypnol)