what is rohypnol

Rohypnol is a type of benzodiazepine that has similar properties to that of Valium (aka Diazepam), but 10 times stronger. Due to its potency, it is only generally used as a premedication in preparation for surgical procedures, and it can also be used for anaesthesia.

It is tasteless and has no smell and takes effect within a relatively short space of time, rendering a person powerless over events that take place whilst they are intoxicated

The onset of effects starts approximately 15 to 20 minutes after ingestion. When injected the onset of effects are almost immediate.

Due to this drug having strong amnesic properties, someone who unknowingly takes it or abuses it will have little recall of events that take place whilst under its influence.

What are the effects of Rohypnol ?

rohypnol side effect

Rohypnol has strong sedative and amnesic properties. This makes it a sought after for abuse.

The effects include:

• Powerful sedation
• Euphoria
• Relaxation
• Reduced anxiety
• Prevention of convulsions
• Slowed breathing
• Amnesia
• Drowsiness

How it affects you as an individual can vary. The severity of these effects will be dependent on the dosage, your tolerance and the method of administration.

Adverse effects are much more likely to occur when it is mixed with alcohol or another drug. It can also have some paradoxical (adverse) effects, including:

• Increased anxiety
• Agitation
• Aggression
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Loss of muscle control (feeling unable to move)
• Decreased inhibitions
• Loss of impulse control
• Loss of memory of events occurring whilst under the influence
• Violent behaviour
• Seizures (3)

Effects can be felt the following day. If you have taken the drug, you should not drive or operate heavy machinery the following day until you know how it affects you as an individual.

How Rohypnol is abused

Rohypnol in prescription form comes in 1mg and 2mg tablets. Depending on the manufacturer the pills are usually available as white or an olive-green tablet.

Those that abuse the drug may mix it with alcohol for greater effects, crush the pills and sprinkle on cannabis and smoke it, crush the pills and dissolve in a drink and drink it, or inject it in a solution form.

Using drugs not prescribed for you, or obtaining it without a valid prescription is also classed as abuse.

Abuse carries many dangers, including dependence, drug addiction, respiratory arrest, coma and death.

Rohypnol mixed with alcohol

Mixing with alcohol is a common method of abuse and misuse of this powerful benzodiazepine.

Both alcohol and Rohypnol are depressant drugs that suppress the central nervous system, mixed their effects become even more pronounced.

Regularly mixing with alcohol can lead to tolerance and dependence on both substances. In instances where this occurs, the individual affected will find themselves taking ever-increasing amounts to gain the desired effects.

Where Rohypnol or alcohol dependence, or dependence to both, has developed, it is not safe to stop taking any of the substances abruptly or without medical intervention and supervision.

Abrupt cessation where a dependence has developed can result in very severe, dangerous and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.

Uncontrolled withdrawal symptoms can kill, as can alcohol withdrawal. Please call us or speak to your doctor for advice before attempting to stop.

Withdrawal symptoms

As it is a benzodiazepine, its withdrawal symptoms will be very typical of other medications in that class.

As one of the stronger benzodiazepines available, withdrawal should be medically managed to ensure patient safety.

Withdrawal symptoms include:

• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Diarrhoea
• Muscle spasms and cramps
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Aches and pains
• Restlessness
• Rebound insomnia
• Tremors
• Increased heart rate and breathing
• Hallucinations
• Drug craving
• Convulsions

Undergoing a full medical detox dependence will vastly reduce the severity of symptoms to a more comfortable and manageable level. It will also help to prevent the onset of life-threatening withdrawal symptoms and reduce the chances of developing PAWS post-acute withdrawal syndrome).

How long does Rohypnol stay in your system?

Many factors can affect how long Rohypnol stays in your system, including dosage, BMI, gender, method of administration, other drugs in your system and hydration levels.

The following can be used as a general guide to how long it stays in your system:

How long Rohypnol stays in your blood

Blood tests identifying its presence can pick up traces of the drug between 11 and 25 hours post-ingestion.

How long Rohypnol stays in your urine

Urine samples can detect metabolites from between 60 hours and 28 days. The time frame is so wide as this depends on the dosage and method of administration.

How long Rohypnol stays in your hair and saliva

Hair strand and saliva tests can also be used to detect presence in your system. Hair strand tests can detect the presence for up to 90 days (sometimes longer)post-ingestion (4)