Rohypnol | Facts, Effects, & Dangers Of Flunitrazepam

Rohypnol (the brand name for flunitrazepam) is a benzodiazepine and depressant commonly known by the street name “roofies.” Rohypnol is a Schedule IV controlled substance, but it’s not approved to be manufactured or used in the United States.

Despite this, the illegal drug can be smuggled into the U.S. from countries such as Mexico. Rohypnol is also known as a club drug used by college students and adolescents as well as a date rape drug to incapacitate targets of sexual assault.

Rohypnol Facts

Rohypnol creates sedative, muscle relaxant, and anti-anxiety effects. However, those participating in drug use can crush Rohypnol into a powder for insufflation, intravenous injection, or to combine with an alcoholic beverage. 

Rohypnol can be placed in alcohol to heighten the effects of the drug, resulting in severe sedation and impairment.

Street Names

According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Rohypnol has multiple street names that can include:

• ruffies
• roofies
• roaches
• roachies
• forget pill
• la rocha
• circles
• money drug
• roche
• wolfies
• rophies
• Mexican Valium

Effects Of Rohypnol

Rohypnol creates various side effects in addition to sedation. This benzodiazepine can create side effects which range in severity, including:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• constipation
• dry mouth
• impaired mental state
• sedation
• amnesia
• aggression
• headache

Dangers Of Flunitrazepam

There are serious dangers associated with Rohypnol use due to sedation which occurs. The sedative effects may be exacerbated when the drug is combined with other substances.

Risk Of Sexual Assault

One of the dangers of Rohypnol is how it can be used as a date rape drug for those seeking to commit sexual assault. College students may primarily be targeted due to easy access and the type of “party lifestyle” which occurs on certain campuses throughout the country.

The Rohypnol pill may be combined with an alcoholic beverage, increasing impairment and sedation. When the two substances are combined, severe drowsiness and sleepiness may take place.

According to the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), Rohypnol is the oldest drug used for rape. To avoid a drink “spiked” with Rohypnol, use a drink with a lid and be aware of your surroundings.

Rohypnol Overdose

Those suffering from a drug overdose of Rohypnol may encounter various overdose symptoms such as:

• loss of coordination
• confusion
• fluctuations in blood pressure
• convulsions
• respiratory depression
• slurred speech
• slow heart rate
• extreme sleepiness
• loss of consciousness

If an overdose is expected, seek urgent medical attention right away.

Drug Addiction Treatment

If you or a loved one are seeking treatment options for your drug abuse, consider Ark Behavioral Health. At our treatment center, we provide various plans which consist of detox, inpatient and outpatient care, and individual and group therapy.

To learn more about our treatment options, please contact us today.