Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) has been a concern for the last few years because of its abuse as a "date rape" drug. People may unknowingly be given the drug which, when mixed with alcohol, can incapacitate and prevent a victim from resisting sexual assault. Also, Rohypnol may be lethal when mixed with alcohol and/or other depressants.

Rohypnol produces sedative-hypnotic effects including muscle relaxation and amnesia. In Miami, one of the first sites of Rohypnol abuse, poison control centers report an increase in withdrawal seizures among people addicted to Rohypnol.

Rohypnol is not approved for use in the United States and its importation is banned. Illicit use of Rohypnol began in Europe in the 1970s and started appearing in the United States in the early 1990s, where it became known as "rophies," "roofies," "roach," "rope," and the "date rape" drug.

Another very similar drug is clonazepam, marketed in the U.S. as Klonopin and in Mexico as Rivotril. It is sometimes abused to enhance the effects of heroin and other opiates.

Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse

Relevant Links

Club Drugs: Rohypnol - SAMHSA's National Clearighouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol, "roofies") - United States Drug Enforcement Administration
Rohypnol - Office of National Drug Control Policy
Rophypnol and GHB - NIDA InfoFacts - National Institute on Drug Abuse