Rohyphnol

What is Rohyphnol?

Rohypnol, the brand name for flunitrazepam, is a powerful benzodiazepine known for its strong sedative, muscle-relaxant, and amnesic properties. It is significantly more potent than most other benzodiazepines. Although widely used in some countries for treating severe insomnia or as a pre-anesthetic medication, Rohypnol is not approved for medical use in the United States due to its high abuse potential and strong central nervous system–depressant effects.

Rohypnol typically appears as small tablets, historically white but more recently green with a blue dye that dissolves into liquids to discourage covert use. In illicit settings, the drug may be crushed, dissolved, or swallowed. Recreational misuse is often driven by its intense sedative and calming effects or by its ability to enhance or modulate other substances, such as alcohol or opioids. Illicit use is strongly associated with sexual assault cases because of its capacity to cause profound sedation, disorientation, and anterograde amnesia.

Effects:

• Extreme sedation and drowsiness

• Muscle relaxation and decreased motor control

• Reduced anxiety and a sense of calm

• Impaired judgment and slowed reaction time

• Slurred speech and dizziness

• Significant memory impairment or blackouts

• Confusion and disorientation

• Decreased coordination and balance

• Respiratory depression at high doses or when mixed with alcohol

• Risk of dependence, withdrawal, and dangerous polydrug interactions