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HISTORY:
Illicit use of Rohypnol began in the 1970s in Europe and appeared in the
United States in the early 1990s. Much of the concern surrounding Rohypnol
is its abuse as a "date rape" drug. Rohypnol is a tasteless and odorless
drug and, until recent manufacturer efforts, dissolved clear in liquid,
which masked its presence. Rohypnol comes in pill form and is usually sold
in the manufacturer’s bubble packaging, which can mislead users in the
United States into believing the drug is safe and legal. Since February
1999, reformulated Rohypnol tablets, which turn blue in a drink to increase
visibility, have been approved and marketed in 20 countries. The old
non-colored tablets are still available, however. In response to the
reformulated blue tablets, people who intend to commit a sexual assault
facilitated by Rohypnol are now serving blue tropical drinks and punches in
which the blue dye can be disguised.
INFORMATION:
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.
Rohypnol is the trade name for the drug flunitrazepam, a benzodiazepine
(central nervous system depressant) like Valium, yet 10 times more potent.
Outside the United States, Rohypnol is legally manufactured by Hoffman-LaRoche,
Inc., and is available by prescription for the short-term treatment of
severe sleep disorders. It is widely available in Europe, Mexico, and
Colombia, but is neither manufactured nor approved for sale in the United
States.
Rohypnol can be ingested orally, snorted, or injected. It is
often combined with alcohol or used as a remedy for the depression that
follows a stimulant high. The effects of Rohypnol begin within 15 to 20
minutes of administration and, depending on the amount ingested, may persist
for more than 12 hours. The drug’s metabolic properties are detectable in
urine for up to 72 hours after ingestion.
Under Rohypnol, individuals may experience a slowing of psychomotor
performance, muscle relaxation, decreased blood pressure, sleepiness, and/or
amnesia. Some of the adverse side effects associated with the drug’s use are
drowsiness, headaches, memory impairment, dizziness, nightmares, confusion,
and tremors. Although classified as a depressant, Rohypnol can induce
aggression and/or excitability
STREET NAMES:
Rophies, roofies, R2, roofenol, Roche, roachies, la rocha, rope, rib,
circles, Mexican valium, roach-2, roopies, and ropies.
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