What Exactly is Rohypnol?

Many people have heard of Rohypnol. If they haven’t heard the trade-name, they have heard it by its street name: roofies, or the Date Rape Drug. But what exactly is Rohypnol? Much is known about its illegal uses, but not much is widely known about what the drug actually is. Here’s what you need to know.

The Formalities

Rohypnol is a brand name of a benzodiazepine. It is the same drug class as Valium, Librium and Xanax. Rohypnol is not legal in the United States, but it is legally available in other countries. Common names for the drug include: R2, roofies, rope, lunch money drug, date rape drug, and forget me drug.

What It Is

The drug is commonly used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It is also used as a pre-medication for surgeries and given for inducing anesthesia. The effects of the drug include muscle relaxation, sedation, anxiety reduction and prevention of convulsions. The sedative effects of Rohypnol are known to be between seven and 10 times stronger than those of Valium. The effects of the drug appear about 15 minutes after ingestion and last for 12 hours or more.

The Date Rape Drug

Rohypnol has been used in sexual assaults because it causes partial amnesia. Not only does it completely relax the person who ingests it, but that person remembers very little of what happened when they were on the drug. It can be difficult to detect Rohypnol in the system, as a urine sample must be collected within 72 hours of ingestion to be considered accurate.

Abuse

Even though Rohypnol is primarily known to many as the date rape drug, it is abused for other reasons. It is used to boost the effects of heroin, make the effects of cocaine even, and is used among rave party attendees. The primary abusers of the drug have statistically been shown to be young males between the ages of 13 and 30.

Overuse of Rohypnol can lead to dependence. There can also be withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued.

If you have been accused of a sex crime in Orlando related to Rohypnol, call our office. A member of our team will provide you with a free case evaluation. Call us today or browse our website for more information on how we can assist you as you stand up for your rights in court.

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