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Alyssa Cannon
Gustavo Ibarra
Health 1050 life, society, drugs
9 November 2014
Research paper: Rohypnol

Rohypnol is an intermediate acting benzodiazepine with general properties similar to

those of valium. This drug became most popular in the 1970s. It is used in the short term
treatment of insomnia, as a premedication in surgical procedures, and also for inducing
anesthesia. Rohypnols sedative effect can be seven to ten times stronger than valium. The
effects of Rohypnol can appear fifteen to twenty minutes after administration, and can last up to
six hours. Rohypnol is a central nervous system depressant medication that is not available in the
United States. It is abused for its sedative and muscle relaxant effects. Because of these effects
this drug is associated with sexual assault and is known as the date rape drug. Rohypnol comes in
a white pill form that looks like aspirin. It is odorless and tasteless, and dissolves in clear liquid.
Rohypnol can also come in liquid form. There are different street names for this drug, some
include: The Forget me Pill, Mexican valium, R2, Roche, Roofies, Roach, Rope, or Wolfies.
Rohypnol is not Manufactured or sold legally in the United States. Because taking it can
produce physiological and psychological dependence, and benzodiazepine withdrawal Syndrome.
Rohypnol is sold and produced legally with a prescription in Europe and Latin America, where it
is used as a short term treatment for insomnia, a sedative hypnotic, and a pre anesthetic. The drug
is often smuggled into the United States by mail or delivery services. Rohypnol is available as a
pill, though the pill can be crushed and mixed into food or drinks. Rohypnol can be dissolved in

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liquid and injected. It can also be crushed and snorted. The present day form of Rohypnol is a
one milligram dose in an olive green tablet that contains blue dye that is supposed to be visible if
the drug is added to a drink. With this happening now people will try to disguise roofies by
putting them in blue liquid or drinks. Before this Rohypnol was sold as a white two milligram
tablet. People use Rohypnol as a pre anesthetic medication for short term insomnia, it may also
be used to treat the depression resulting from the use of cocaine, meth and other stimulants. It is
also used as a recreational drug at night clubs, parties, and raves. Rohypnol could also be used to
commit suicide. It is also may be combined with other illicit drugs for a high enhancement.
Rohypnol can take effect within twenty to thirty minutes, and can last up to 4-24 hours.
Rohypnol can produce amnesia and muscle relaxation, and lower inhibitions. Most people do not
even realize they have consumed it. People will take it at parties and wake up with no memory of
the evening. The Benzodiazepines influence behavior by interacting with the receptors on
neurons in the brain that use the neurotransmitter called the GABA. When benzodiazepines
attach to GABA receptors they increase GABA binding to other receptors. In this way
benzodiazepines enhance the effects of GABA and reduce brain activity. Some side effects of
Rohypnol are anterograde amnesia, vomiting or nausea, headaches, difficulty breathing, slowed
heart rate. Loss of motor skills and coordination, mood swings, loss of consciousness, known and
blacking out. And problems with vision can also occur. Rohypnol is frequently used in
conjunction with other drugs and alcohol, which can have fatal consequences, particularly when
combined with alcohol. It can increase effects but can cause the body to shut down. Although
Rohypnol is a depressant it may produce excitability, talkativeness, or aggressive behavior.
Immediate effects of Rohypnol are drowsiness, dizziness, and loss of motor control, lack
of coordination, slurred speech, confusion, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Rohyonol can cause

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blackouts that can last up to twenty-four hours. Chronic use can result in physical dependence
and withdrawal syndrome. Both long term and short term use can lead to physical dependence on
Rohypnol. The addictive features are more pronounced in individuals who use Rohypnol in large
doses, for a long time. Long term use can result in psychological dependence and the appearance
of withdrawal symptoms when drug is discontinued in use. Overdose with Rohypnol can lead to
coma, respiratory arrest, and even death. Rohypnol can be very dangerous because it is ten times
more powerful than Valium, and can cause drastic drop of blood pressure. It can lead to death if
taken in large doses. It is popular in sexual assault because victims will not remember the sexual
assault had even happened. It is also used in robberies. Burglars will spike their victims drinks
when they are out in public and then follow them home and rob them. Roofies can also be so
enticing because they are so cheap. This drug is also dangerous because of the withdrawal effects.
Rohypnol can cause seizures, psychosis, violent behavior, depression, anxiety, nightmares, flu
like symptoms, and irregular heartbeat. Long term use of this drug can cause depression. People
also take Rohypnol because it can soothe an overactive mind, allowing a person with anxiety or
insomnia to feel protected and relaxed.
Rohypnol is associated with date rape, because it is odorless, tasteless, and has such great
effects with making the victim lose memory. Fifty five percent of date rape victims had already
been drinking alcohol. Some of the major date rape drugs are Rohypnol, Ecstasy, and GHB, and
Ketamine. Rohypnol is usually slipped into a persons alcoholic drink. This usually happens at
clubs or college parties. Some party goers in the past have reported seeing vodka shots and other
clear drinks being mixed below the partys bar.
There are some ways you can prevent being roofied and avoid drugged drinks if you are
going to a party or club. Stay at the bar as the drink is ordered and served. You will be able to see

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the bartender make your drink right in front of your eyes. Or request drinks be brought to that
table directly from the staff. Take bottled drinks over cans or opened glass drinks, if you are with
people you cannot trust. Hold your drink on the top, with your palm over the drink instead of
against the side of the drink. Do not leave your drink unattended, give it to a friend to watch or if
you do leave it do not drink it, get a new one. Only accept drinks from people you know and trust.
Avoid sharing other peoples drinks. Look for signs of tampering, like if your drink was moved
from where you left it, if the straw has been removed, if there is a less or more liquid than before,
odd bubbling or fizzing, if it is a different color or odor than before. If your drink tastes funny
stop drinking it immediately. Do not drink out of punch bowls, there is a possibility it could be
spiked. Remember any drink could be spiked not just alcohol, food could be spiked as well, it is
just generally a good idea to keep an eye on your drink.
There are some warning signs that you may have been drugged at a party or club. One of
them is if you recall having a drink, or drinking but you cannot recall what happened for a period
of time after consuming the drink. If you suspect sexual contact has taken place, but cannot
remember any or all of the incident. If you feel more intoxicated that you usually do after
drinking an amount of alcohol you are used to consuming. If you wake up feeling hung over or
experience a memory lapse or cannot account for periods of time. There are other symptoms and
after effects that could happen if you have been drugged.
If you are feeling overly drunk. Roofies enhance the feeling of being drunk. One of the
major roofies symptoms is a feeling of overwhelming sleepiness. Sleepiness combined with
dizziness is a symptom of being drugged. Date rape drugs will also make the person that has
been drugged feel confused almost euphoric. You may feel like you are in a dream like state.

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When you wake up you may not have any recollection of the night before. You may experience
nausea or vomiting before the uncontrolled feeling of sleepiness occurs.
If you feel like you have been drugged it is important to get a drug test as soon as
possible.
If you are at a party or club or bar and you start to feel out of control, look for a friend or
someone you can trust and tell them to take you to a hospital or call 911. If you cannot talk, show
your friend you are sick. If you think you have been drugged do not leave by yourself. You need to
have other people around you just in case you lose your consciousness. Some other tips are go to
parties in groups. Appoint one sober person for your group. If you see someone spiking the drink, do
something about it. Bring attention to the situation. Do not drink from a punch bowl or container
being passed around. Always warn your friends about clubs or parties where date rape drugs have
been used in the past. Also now your limit. How many drinks can you have before you no longer
trust your decisions? How many drinks can you have before you are unable to communicate
clearly about what you do and dont want? Always avoid sharing drinks and always keep an eye
on your drink.

Works cited

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<http://www.drugs.com/illicit/rohypnol.html>.
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