• Rohypnol Facts (Roofies)

    Street Terms: R-2, Mexican Valium, roofies, circles

    What is this?

    Rohypnol, the trade name for flunitrazepam, has been a concern for the last few years because of its abuse as a "date rape" drug. In reference to date rape, this drug is most commonly referred to as a "roofie." People may unknowingly be given the drug that, when mixed with alcohol, can incapacitate victims and prevent them from resisting sexual assault. Also, Rohypnol can be lethal when mixed with alcohol and/or other depressants.

    Rohypnol produces sedative-hypnotic effects including muscle relaxation and amnesia; it can also produce dependence. Rohypnol started appearing in the United States in the early 1990s. It is a benzodiazepine (chemically similar to Valium or Xanax), but it is not approved for medical use in this country, and its importation is banned.

    Rohypnol has been used to facilitate date rape. It can be colorless, tasteless, and odorless, and can be added to beverages and ingested unbeknownst to the victim. When mixed with alcohol, Rohypnol can incapacitate victims and prevent them from resisting sexual assault.

    Risks

    Decreased blood pressure / Drowsiness / Visual disturbances / Dizziness / Confusion / Stomach, intestine, and urinary problems / Physical dependence and addiction / Death, especially when mixed with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants / Anterograde amnesia, in which individuals may not remember events they experienced while under the influence of the drug / Assault or sexual assault (due to the user being in dangerous situations or not being able to defend him/herself because of the drug's effects)