Rohypnol is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine with general properties similar to those of Valium (diazepam). It is used in the short-term treatment of insomnia, as a pre-medication in surgical procedures and for inducing anesthesia.

Since the 1990s Rohypnol has been used illegally to lessen the depression caused by the abuse of stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, and also as an aid for sexual assault. The so-called “date-rape drug” was placed unknowingly in the drinks of victims, often at a bar or party (“club drug”). Due to the strong amnesia produced by the drug, victims would have limited or no memory of the assault.

Like other benzodiazepines (such as Valium, Ativan and Xanax), Rohypnol’s therapeutic effects include:

• sedation
• muscle relaxation
• reduction in anxiety
• prevention of convulsions.

However, the sedative effects of Rohypnol are approximately 7 to 10 times stronger than Valium. The action of Rohypnol appears 15 to 20 minutes after administration and last approximately four to six hours. Some residual effects can be found 12 hours or more after administration.

How is Rohypnol used?

Rohypnol is generally taken in pill form (it is rarely crushed and snorted). Rohypnol is extremely powerful (about 5 times as powerful as Valium). Even a small dose can affect the user for 8 to 12 hours.

Though it is illegal in the United States, Rohypnol is a legal pharmaceutical sleeping pill in 60 countries. Like all sedatives, it reduces anxiety, induces sleep and depresses the central nervous system. At low doses, Rohypnol produces intoxication, muscle relaxation, and sedative-hypnotic effects lasting 2 to 8 hours. Many users combine Rohypnol with alcohol. Combining sedatives with alcohol can slow breathing and heart rate. At higher doses, the body shuts down and breathing stops.

What Are The Effects Of Using Rohypnol?

Rohypnol is the brand name for Flunitrazepam, a Benzodiazepine which functions as a central nervous system depressant. The effects of Rohypnol are similar to the effects of Valium, but Rohypnol is about ten times more powerful. Like most Benzodiazepines, Rohypnol slows down the central nervous system by amplifying the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter which inhibits the activity of the brain’s neurons. When a person takes a Rohypnol pill, they will experience sedation and relaxation. At higher doses, Rohypnol will cause a person to lose consciousness and experience amnesia. In areas of the world where Rohypnol is legal, doctors prescribe it to their patients to treat insomnia and anxiety disorders.

The sedative effects of Rohypnol typically arise within 30 minutes after ingestion, with peak effects occurring after about 2 hours. As little as 1 mg of Rohypnol can impair an individual for 8 to 12 hours. Although the drug is a depressant, Rohypnol may induce aggression and excitability.

In the United States, Rohypnol is a Schedule IV controlled substance. The drug bears this designation because it poses moderate risks for abuse, addiction, and overdose. The United States government has never approved Rohypnol as a legitimate medication. In fact, Rohypnol is a well-known date rape drug. For this reason, under the Drug Induced Rape Prevention Act, the crime of trafficking Rohypnol into the United States carries the same penalties as trafficking Schedule I, II, and III controlled substances.  Nevertheless, drug smugglers continue to bring the drug into the United States from Europe and Latin America, where it remains legal.