Rohypnol

Rohypnol, or flunitrazepam, is a benzodiazepine and a central nervous system depressant. It is also known as the “forget-me-pill”. It is legal outside of the United States but not within the U.S. It is often used to combat depression caused by cocaine and methamphetamines. The drug induces sleep and a state of amnesia; as a result it is frequently used in the sexual crimes. The pill is tasteless and odorless and dissolves easily in carbonated drinks. New smaller pills have a blue/green tint to them and dissolve leaving the liquid a blue color. Other drugs that have a pinkish/brownish tint are not Rohypnol but may have the same impact. For example, there has been a recent increase in the use of GHB (originally used by body builders). Rohypnol can also be snorted or dissolved and injected.

Rohypnol can impair a victim for up to 12 hours or longer when combine with alcohol. Continued use can cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms.

Signs of Rohypnol Use
Rohypnol has immediate effects similar to alcohol and other depressants. About twenty minutes after ingestion, the effects of Rohypnol will be felt.

Muscle relaxation
Drowsiness
Slurred Speech
Impaired Judgment
Difficulty walking
Respiratory Distress
Decrease in Blood Pressure
Hallucinations
Dizziness
Blurred Vision
Confusion
Headache
Urinary Retention
Muscle Pain

Serious health risks associated with Rohypnol

Gastrointestinal Disturbance
Seizure
Respiratory Problems
Possible Death (especially if the substance is combined with alcohol or other drugs)

In addition to these risks, Rohypnol causes anterograde amnesia, a condition in which individuals are unable to remember events they experienced while under the effect of the drug.

Social Effects of Rohypnol Use
Unfortunately, this drug has gained in popularity among high school and college students. It is a crime to “dope another person” and to sexually assault him or her. It is a legal and moral violation that can destroy a young man or woman’s life. The psychological implications of rape are dramatic and life-long.

Signs and Symptoms of Rohypnol Withdrawal
Chronic users of Rohypnol can experience withdrawal including

Aggression
Headaches
muscle pain,
Hallucinations
Vomiting
Coma
Convulsions

An abuser can experience seizures one to two weeks after quitting the drug.

Symptoms of overdose

Intense Drowsiness
Unconsciousness
Coma
Muscle Spasms
Disorientation
Vomiting
Slowed or Suppressed Breathing (fatalities usually occur from respiratory failure).

Treatment would be the same as that for any of the benzodiazepine class of medications.

Medically supervised detox by a physician trained in addiction medicine is recommended. Detox units staffed by nurses and clinicians with addiction expertise are able to deliver the best care. Detox is just the first step toward recovering from addiction of any type. Treatment, immediately following detox is now considered the best possible way to handle addiction treatment.

Slang Terms for Rohypnol
Circles, Forget-me-pill, Forget Pill, La Rocha, Lunch Money Drug, Mexican Valium, Pingus, R-2, Reynolds, Rib, Roach-2, Roaches, Roachies, Roapies, Robutal, Rochas dos, Roofies, Rope, Rophies, Rophy, Roples, Row-Shay, Ruffies, Wolfies