What Is Rohypnol?
Rohypnol is the brand name of the generic schedule IV controlled substance flunitrazepam. Rohypnol uses include providing relief from insomnia and as a pre-anesthetic. However, this immediate-acting drug has potent tranquilizing effects similar to other benzodiazepines but is almost 10 times more powerful than Valium.
Rohypnol effects show up after around half an hour of ingestion, and the symptoms peak within 2 hours. The effects can linger up to even 12 hours, during which time the victims of this date-rape drug become incapacitated, unable to move, and cannot even recall what happened when they regain consciousness.
Effects Of Rohypnol On The Brain
The drug causes many effects on your brain, especially impacting the neurotransmitters called GABA receptors (gamma-aminobutyric acid), responsible for easing brain function and soothing it by aiding anxiety relief. It produces relaxation and sedation to further slow down brain function.
Street Names Of Rohypnol
- Mexican Valium
- Rophies
- Roofies
- Forget-me pill
- Rope
- Circles
- La Rocha
- Pingus
- R2
- Robutal
- Rochas Dos
- Reynolds
- Rochies
- Wolfies
Rohypnol Intoxication
There are two labels for Rohypnol, “club” and “date rape” drugs. Even though Rohypnol is a benzodiazepine, similar to drugs such as Valium and Xanax, it differs from them as Rohypnol is not a legal drug.
Although Rohypnol possession, trafficking, and distribution are made illegal in the U.S., it is sold in about 60 countries including Latin America and Europe, from where it is smuggled into the country.
Rohypnol Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Loss of inhibitions
- Respiratory depression
- Disorientation
- Amnesia
- Extreme sedation
- Motor impairment
- Vision problems
- Difficulty in speaking
Long-term use of the drug also carries a higher risk of psychological and physical dependence as the users build a tolerance for it, making them crave for more, which eventually turns into Rohypnol addiction.
Dangers And Long Term Effects Of Rohypnol
Abusers of several months can have social effects of Rohypnol and potential negative reactions like:
Legal consequences: Since the drug is illegal in the country and regulated worldwide, you will face strict penalties if you are caught using or possessing it. For distributing it, there can be a life sentence.
Suicidal tendencies: Rohypnol can cause suicidal thoughts. Due to the high potency of the drug, it can become a great aid to those that wish to end their lives.
Paradoxical reactions: As with some drugs, people can experience the exact opposite reactions and stimuli than they anticipated from Rohypnol use. E.g., anxiety, depression, and convulsions.
Overdose: Small doses of Rohypnol can relax you but with larger amounts, an overdose may occur, leading to respiratory depression, coma, or even death.
Drug interactions: When you combine Rohypnol with alcohol, opiates, or other drugs, the toxic effects get multiplied, causing serious physical harm.
Why Do People Get Addicted To Rohypnol?
Environment
Highly Addictive Nature
Emotional Distress
Genetics
Rohypnol Withdrawal
Your addiction to Rohypnol makes your body develop a physical tolerance. When you swallow, chew, or dissolve Rohypnol in liquid and intake it for the long-term, the effects that you receive in less than 20 minutes may also disappear as soon. So, you may need a higher dose to get to that stage. Meanwhile, you may feel cravings for the drug.
Also, Rohypnol withdrawal symptoms may show when you quit your habit suddenly. When other addictive substances are used along with Rohypnol, there is a greater risk of blackouts, respiratory depression, coma, seizures, or death.
