Rohypnol is a prescription drug found in other countries around the world. The production, sale, and use of Rohypnol are illegal in the United States.

Many people know rohypnol as the “date rape drug.” This potent benzodiazepine suppresses central nervous system (CNS) activity and can cause amnesia (memory loss), allowing perpetrators to assault victims with no memory of the crime.

This article will explore the side effects and dangers of using Rohypnol. You will learn:

• The effects of Rohypnol
• The dangers of Rohypnol
• The risk of Rohypnol abuse
• How to recognize Rohypnol addiction
• Where to find benzodiazepine abuse treatment

If you or someone you love misuses Rohypnol, you must seek treatment right away. Contact the Moving Mountains Recovery specialists to learn about our holistic treatment programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.

What is Rohypnol?

Rohypnol is the brand name for a drug called flunitrazepam.[1] It belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. Generally, it is similar to diazepam (Valium).

Production, distribution, and use of Rohypnol is illegal in the United States. People in the US began using this illicit drug in the 1990s to reduce depression related to stimulant abuse. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies Rohypnol as a Schedule IV drug.[2] This classification means that a substance has a medical purpose and a low risk of dependence.

Many people know Rohypnol as “the date rape drug.”[3] Perpetrators sometimes slip this drug into a victim’s drink. When the victim unknowingly ingests the drug, they experience loss of consciousness. Then, the perpetrator can sexually assault the incapacitated victim. Often, victims who have unknowingly ingested Rohypnol have little or no memory of the assault.

The Side Effects of Rohypnol

Rohypnol is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine. Like other drugs of this type, Rohypnol can cause side effects that include:[1,3]

• Sedation
• Reduced anxiety
• Anti-convulsant effects
• Muscle relaxation

Rohypnol is more potent than Valium or other benzodiazepines. The central nervous system depressant effects are about 7 to 10 times stronger than Valium. The side effects of Rohypnol can begin as soon as 15 minutes after taking it and may last for 6 to 12 hours.

The sedative effects of Rohypnol are even more potent when it is combined with alcohol. This makes using it as a club drug even more dangerous.

People who unintentionally ingest Rohypnol while drinking typically experience more pronounced side effects, including:[4]

• Low blood pressure
• Memory problems
• Confusion
• Blackouts
• Dizziness
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Headaches
• Tremors
• Slurred speech
• Euphoria

People who ingest Rohypnol and alcohol may be unaware of what they are doing. They may be more likely to get hurt, engage in risky behaviors, or become the victim of a crime.

Rohypnol: Understanding the Risks

While many people know Rohypnol as “the date rape drug,” many more people abuse it for other reasons. Teens and young adults are most at risk of ingesting Rohypnol, either by choice or unintentionally. High school and college students, club regulars, and those who abuse other street drugs are most likely to use Rohypnol.[5]

People typically consume Rohypnol in pill form. Users are likely to mix it with alcohol. The adverse effects of Rohypnol abuse include:

• Excessive sleepiness
• Slurred speech
• Confusion
• Aggression
• Excitability
• Confusion
• Amnesia
• Poor coordination
• Loss of motor control
• Decreased reaction time
• Digestive disturbances
• Slowed reaction times

Taking high doses can lead to dangerous respiratory depression (slow or shallow breathing). People may become injured or be involved in accidents while under the influence of Rohypnol.

Rohypnol abuse can also cause severe long-term effects, including:

• Behavioral changes
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Seizures

Repeated or heavy Rohypnol abuse can lead to physical dependence or addiction. People who become addicted to Rohypnol generally require comprehensive treatment and ongoing support to stop using it safely.

Rohypnol Addiction: An Overview

Rohypnol’s effects begin within 15 to 20 minutes of ingesting it. The drug’s effects last up to 12 hours, but the effects are typically strongest between 45 minutes and 2 hours of using it.

People who regularly use Rohypnol may develop physical tolerance. This means they need to take larger doses to get the desired effects. Over time, people can develop tolerance or addiction.

Signs of Rohypnol addiction include:

• Needing to take more of the drug to get the desired effects
• Experiencing Rohypnol withdrawal symptoms (muscle aches, confusion, anxiety, delirium, insomnia, etc.) if you stop taking it
• Taking risks while using Rohypnol, such as driving or having unprotected sex
• Wanting to stop taking Rohypnol but finding that it is impossible without help

Treatment for Rohypnol addiction typically involves:

• Medically-supported detox programs
• Mental health treatment
• Behavioral therapies
• Medications to reduce the risk of relapse
• Holistic therapies like nutrition support, mindfulness, and exercise
• Family counseling
• Group therapy
• Relapse prevention education
• Aftercare planning and support

Rohypnol is a hazardous drug. If you or someone you love abuses Rohypnol, you must seek treatment right away.

Find Treatment Now

Contact the caring specialists at Moving Mountains Recovery to explore our holistic addiction treatment programs. Reach out with questions, for help verifying your insurance, or to schedule an intake appointment.