ROHYPNOL
Roofies, the "Date Rape Drug",
Rophies, Roach, Rope, R2, Mexican Valium.
Rohypnol (the trade
name for flunitrazepam) is a tranquilliser which has recently been called
by the media a 'date rape' drug.
Rohypnol is a legitimate drug used in the short-term treatment of sleep
disorders, producing sedative-hypnotic effects including muscle relaxation
and amnesia. It is alleged that some men have slipped the drug into the
drinks of young women who either then pass out or experience short-term
memory loss and are then vulnerable to sexual exploitation and rape.
It has been implicated in several date rape cases in the US, although
there is no confirmed case of it being used in sexual assault cases in
the UK.
Recently companies
have started to sell products which will test for the Benzodiazepines
group of drugs, which are commonly associated with Drug Rape. These usually
take the form of test strips or beer mats, which can be easily carried
on a night out for discrete testing. They can also detect benzodiazepines
in urine, and can be used as a 'morning after' test.
LAW
Rohypnol
is a class C drug. It can be obtained only through private prescription
in the UK. It is not illegal to possess the drug if it has been obtained
through prescription. Supply without authority is illegal and Class C
penalties apply (maximum 14 years imprisonment and/or fine).
EFFECTS/RISKS
Rohypnol use causes dependence
in humans. Once dependence has developed, abstention induces withdrawal
symptoms, including headache, muscle pain, extreme anxiety, tension, restlessness,
confusion, and irritability. Numbness, tingling of the extremities, loss
of identity, hallucinations, delirium, convulsions, shock, and cardiovascular
collapse also may occur. Withdrawal seizures can occur a week or more
after cessation of use. As with other benzodiazepines, treatment for flunitrazepam
dependence must be gradual, with use tapering off.
See also tranquillisers
Updated February 2004
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