Rohypnol is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine with general properties similar to those of Valium (diazepam). It is used in the short-term treatment of insomnia, as a pre-medication in surgical procedures and for inducing anesthesia.
While Rohypnol has become widely known for its use as a date-rape drug, it is abused more frequently for other reasons. It is abused by high school students, college students, street gang members, rave party attendees, and heroin and cocaine abusers to produce profound intoxication, boost the high of heroin, and modulate the effects of cocaine. Teenagers and young males age 13 to 30 years of age have been noted as the primary abusers of Rohypnol.
Rohypnol is usually consumed orally, and is often combined with alcohol. Rohypnol use causes a number of adverse effects, which may last 12 hours of more, including:
- drowsiness, sleep
- dizziness
- loss of motor control
- decreased reaction time
- impaired judgement
- lack of coordination
- slurred speech
- confusion
- aggression or excitability
- loss of memory of events while under the influence (amnesia)
- stomach disturbances
- respiratory depression with higher doses.