What is Rohypnol? Is it illegal?

"Rohypnol" is the brand name for the drug flunitrazepam, a central nervous system depressant, belonging to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, which include widely used medications such as Valium, Librium, and Xanax.

Rohypnol is currently a Schedule IV drug under the Federal Controlled Substance Act of 1970 with Schedule I penalties for illegal possession, importation, or distribution in the United States.

Where is Rohypnol most commonly used? What are its effects?

In the U.S. Rohypnol is most commonly used in Florida, Texas, or other southern states; places where the drug can be brought over the border easily and smuggled to consumers through postal and delivery services, or by individuals. However, Rohypnol's use is not limited to the South. In fact, WCASA has received reports from students in Wisconsin who stated that Rohypnol is available on their campuses. The recipe for Rohypnol has also recently been made available on the Internet, a fact that greatly contributes to the wide spread availability of the drug.

Rohypnol is ingested orally, frequently in conjunction with alcohol or other drugs. The effects, which begin within 30 minutes, include sedation, dizziness, memory impairments, motor incoordination, muscle relaxation, slurred speech, impaired judgment, amnesia, loss of inhibitions, loss of consciousness, visual disturbances, nausea, and excitability and/or aggressive behavior in some users.

Effects of Rohypnol reach their peak within 1-2 hours after intake and continue for average of 8-10 hours. At higher doses and when combined with other drugs the effects may persist for 24 hours. The effects of Rohypnol are approximately 10 times greater than the effects of Valium.

How do I identify Rohypnol?

Manufactured by a large pharmaceutical company (Hoffmann-La Roche), Rohypnol is available in round white tablets which are slightly smaller than aspirin. One side of the tablet contains the name "Roche" and an encircled"1" or "2" while the reverse side is marked with either a cross or single horizontal groove.

Rohypnol commonly sells for approximately $5 per tablet, and is delivered in bubble packaging. (American Prosecutors Research Institute Violence Against Women Program (1999). The Prosecution of Rohypnol and GHB Related Sexual Assaults.)

In an effort to reduce the use of Rohypnol as a date rape drug, the newest version of the pill contains a dye agent that is released when the drug is added to liquid.