By: Misty Masse’

 A prescription sedative/depressant belonging to the Benzodiazepine family of drugs - it is produced worldwide by Hoffman-La Roche, Inc.  The generic name for Rohypnol is Flunitrazepam.  This drug is not manufactured or approved for use in North America but can be found as a street drug.  The drug comes in pill form in.5, 1 and 2 milligram dosages.  It is tasteless, colorless and odorless and can be crushed and added to any drink, including water, without detection.

 Rohypnol is a benzodiazepine. It contains ingredients that slow down the brain and body. Rohypnol is stronger than other benzodiazepines, such as Valium, Xanax, and Halcion.  In low doses, Rohypnol sedates and relaxes the user.  In higher doses it causes sleep and can incapacitate a person who has consumed it.

 Roofies  Roche  Rope  Ruffies  R-2  Roaches  Rib  Forget-me Pill  Mexican Valium

 It is a depressant, which means it decreases activity in the brain and the rest of the body.  It is often referred to as a sedative-hypnotic as well, because it calms people down and brings on sleep.  In addition, Roofies causes muscles to relax, eases anxiety, and reduces the severity of seizure conditions.

 Decreased blood pressure  Black outs  Loss of memory  Sedation  Tiredness  Muscle relaxation  Problems with vision  Disorientation  Dizziness  Confusion  Nausea  Nervousness  Aggressive behavior  Fearlessness  They begin minutes after ingestion, peak within 2 hours and usually last up to 8 hours.

 Users can build up a tolerance to Roofie. This results in the person needing more and more of the drug to get the same effect as the first time he or she used it.  Rohypnol abuse can also lead to physical and psychological dependence; which causes cravings that can make it very difficult to stop taking the drug.

 Rohypnol joined the group of drugs commonly referred to as club drugs. These drugs, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), include cocaine, ecstasy (MDMA), GBL, GHB, ketamine, LSD, methamphetamine, PCP, and psilocybin.

 Rohypnol comes in pill or tablet form or as a solution to be injected.  The pill or tablet is swallowed, chewed, or put under the tongue to dissolve slowly.  Less commonly, it is crushed and snorted or dissolved and injected.  It is also added to marijuana and smoked.  Rohypnol comes in doses of 1 or 2 milligrams. And it affects the user rather quickly.

 Will cause a rapid and dramatic high.  Mixed with alcohol will give the same effects times ten.

 Combining Rohypnol and other depressants, especially alcohol, is highly dangerous as it increases the risk of overdose and potentiates the sedative effects of the drug.  Overdose with Rohypnol can cause nausea and vomiting, respiratory depression, coma, and death.  Chronic use of the drug can result in physical addiction and produce withdrawal symptoms similar to other benzodiazepines when use is discontinued. Abrupt withdrawal may lead to symptoms of severe anxiety and insomnia, convulsions, and psychosis.  Less severe symptoms include abdominal pains, aching, headache, shaking, paranoia, and insomnia.

 Its been used to help ease withdrawal symptoms from other drugs such as heroin. Withdrawal symptoms occur when the user gradually cuts back on the amount of a drug being taken until it can be discontinued entirely. Such symptoms include a variety of physical and psychological effects, depending on the drug.  Cocaine users have taken Roofies to help come down after a drug-using binge. Specifically, Roofies has been known to help with the depression that may occur after using stimulants like cocaine.  Some use it as a cure for a hangover, the uncomfortable feeling such as the pounding headache, upset stomach, and trembling feelings that often occur after a bout of heavy drinking.

 It is used in sexual assaults.  "Date Rape Drugs" Sedative Effects  Drunk appearance  Drowsiness  Light-Headedness  Staggering  Confusion  Vertigo  Muscle Relaxation  Visual Disturbances  Impairment of psychomotor function  Amnesia that lasts up to 24 hours

 In the late 1990's as an answer to Rohypnol's popular use as a date rape drug, the manufacturer voluntarily changed the formula to change color when it comes in contact with liquid, but it is still easy to find in it's original generic formulation. Repeated use of the drug can lead to dependency.

 When used as to facilitate sexual assault, this can leave the victim with little or no memory of the assault, the assailant, or the events surrounding the incident. It is therefore difficult to approximate how many Rohypnol- related rapes have occurred in the US, since the traceable amounts of the drug will pass through the body within three days of ingestion.

 Never leave your drink unattended. If you have to go to the bathroom, either finish your drink or throw it away.  Beverages that come in sealed containers (unopened cans or bottles) are much safer than mixed drinks.  If you order a mixed drink, watch the person who mixes it.  Do not take any open beverages, including alcohol, from someone you do not know well and trust.  Never drink anything out of a common punch bowl.  If someone offers to buy you a drink, go up to the bar with them to accept the drink.  Subscribe to the "buddy system": always party with one or more friends, and keep an eye on each other. If someone begins to appear "too drunk," get them to a safe place. More than one attempted Rohypnol rape has been prevented by watchful friends.

 Dealers  Raves  Bars  Clubs

THE END!