Flunitrazepam (Roofies, Date-Rape Drug)

Roofies (Date Rape) Drug Charges, New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorneys, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Union County, Mercer County, Middlesex County

Drug Information About Flunitrazepam (Roofies)

Brand name: Rohypnol

Street names:  Roofies, ruffies, date-rape drug, forget-me pill, roche, rib, circles, roopies, rope

Classification: The FDA has not approved human consumption of Flunitrazepam, so pharmacists in the US cannot prescribe it or sell it. However, since it is prescribed in many other countries, the drug has been placed into Schedule IV of the Controlled Substances Act due to international treaty obligations.

General Information

Flunitrazepam is a potent central nervous system depressant used as a sedative and sleep aid. Most commonly branded under the name Rohypnol, the drug has not been approved for human consumption in the US but is available in over 50 countries worldwide as an insomnia treatment.

Flunitrazepam has a rapid onset and long duration of effects; it is a benzodiazepine derivative, though its sedative effects are about seven to ten times stronger than those of Valium. Since Flunitrazepam also causes partial amnesia, it has gained notoriety for use as a date rape drug.

Rohypnol comes as a small, odorless, white tablet that can be swallowed, dissolved into a drink, or crushed and snorted. It can be found in nightclubs and at bars or at raves. It is commonly used in conjunction with other drugs, most commonly alcohol. This is particularly dangerous, since alcohol and Rohypnol potentiate each other’s toxicity, making the effects of both stronger from a smaller dose.

Effects

Rohypnol produces feelings of disinhibition, relaxation, and intoxication somewhat similar to the effects of alcohol. People who have ingested Rohypnol may feel sedated, dizzy, and drowsy. They may slur their words and stumble or otherwise exhibit poor motor function. Of particular concern is the tendency of Rohypnol to produce blackouts in users, leaving them with no memory of the events that occurred. Rohypnol may also produce paradoxical reactions in some individuals, including talkativeness, aggression, and even violent behavior.

Date-Rape Drug Crimes

When used as to facilitate sexual assault, this can leave the victim with little or no memory of the assault, the assailant, or the events surrounding the incident. It is therefore difficult to approximate how many Rohypnol-related rapes have occurred in the US, since the traceable amounts of the drug will pass through the body within three days of ingestion. Those that suspect they were drugged with Flunitrazepam should seek laboratory testing and analysis as soon as possible.

Overdose

Combining Rohypnol and other depressants, especially alcohol, is highly dangerous as it increases the risk of overdose and potentiates the sedative effects of the drug. Overdose with Rohypnol can cause nausea and vomiting, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Chronic use of the drug can result in physical addiction and produce withdrawal symptoms similar to other benzodiazepines when use is discontinued. Abrupt withdrawal may lead to symptoms of severe anxiety and insomnia, convulsions, and psychosis. Less severe symptoms include abdominal pains, aching, headache, shaking, paranoia, and insomnia.

Sources: