Rohypnol
Things You Need To Know

What is Rohypnol?

Rohypnol, the trade name for flunitrazepam, is a drug produced by La Roche Pharmaceuticals. It is manufactured for use as a pre-surgery relaxant and is given to patients before they undergo anesthesia.  Although use of Rohypnol is not legal in the United States, DEA officials say that Rohypnol is illegally coming into the U.S. from Mexico, Columbia, and Europe.  The DEA has classified Rohypnol as a schedule IV drug, which means that large dose over a long period of time, can lead to physical or psychological dependence. Because of its rapid spread across the country, and because of its mind-altering and addictive effects, the DEA is trying to upgrade Rohypnol to a Schedule 1 drug, which would put it in the same class as heroin and LSD. 

What are some of the slang names for Rohypnol?

Rohypnol is known by many different names on the street:

Ø       Rophies

Ø       Roofies

Ø       Roach

Ø       Rope

Ø       Ruffies

Ø       The “date rape “drug

Ø       Mexican valium

Ø       Costa Rican Quaaludes

Ø       Forget pill or

Ø       Forget me pill 

What are the effects of Rohypnol?

victim and prevent them from resisting sexual assault. Rohypnol intoxication is generally associated with impaired judgment and impaired motor skills. The combination of alcohol and Rohypnol is also particularly hazardous because together, their effects on memory and judgment are greater that the effects resulting from either taken alone.  It is commonly reported that persons who become intoxicated on a combination of alcohol and rohypnol have “blackouts’ lasting 8 to 24 hours following ingestion.   

Once physical dependence has developed, abrupt termination of the drug will result in withdrawal symptoms, such as:

¨       Extreme anxiety;

¨       Headache;

¨       Muscle pain;

¨       Restlessness;

¨       Tension;

¨       Confusion and irritability

Higher doses may induce insomnia. 

Rohypnol sells for about $2.50 to $5.00 per pill and is packaged in a foil bubble package that makes it seem clean and safe.  Officials say “Roofies” have been used by some school children 8 to 10 years old in the past five years. 

Source: NIDA, ONDCP, U.S. DHHS, 10/00