Rohypnol is a nervous system depressant used as a pre-op medication to induce anesthesia. It is a considered as a short-acting benzodiazepine similar to Xanax and Valium used to treat sleeping disorders. This drug is illegal in the US.
Alternative and street names
Alternative names for Rohyphnol include Forget Pill, R-2, circles, Mexican valium, Forget-me pill and Getting roached. Other street names include rope, roofies, rope, R-2, circles, Mexican valium, rib, Forget Pill, roachies, Wolfies, roofenol and Robutal.
How is Rohypnol taken?
Rohypnol is taken orally as a pill or is dissolved in liquid like alcohol and ater. This drug is popular in rave parties.
Effects of consumption
The following are the effects of Rohypnol within 20 minutes after administration of the drug. These effects last from six to 12 hours.
- Sedation
- Muscle relaxation
- Reduces in anxiety
- Prevents convulsion
Impact on the mind/body and health risks
Rohyphnol is considered as a date rape drug used by offenders by mixing it with drinks. The victim easily passes out or becomes too easy to fool. There is complete inability to recall the events that transpired the day after the rape.
The following are the harmful effects of Rohypnol:
- Person becomes too gullible
- Physical weakness
- Fainting
- Memory black-out
- Prone to sexual assault
Signs of Rohypnol overdose
- Intense drowsiness,
- Unconsciousness,
- Coma
- Muscle spasms,
- Disorientation,
- Vomiting,
- Slowed or stopped breathing
- Death due to respiratory failure
Rohyphnol is not fatal on its own. It can only lead to death if mixed with alcoholic drinks.
Signs of abuse of this substance
Rohyphnol abuse can lead to the following symptoms:
- Loss of motor control
- Drowsiness
- Lack of coordination
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Gastrointestinal disturbances that last for 12 hours or beyond
- Overdose causes respiratory depression
Rohyphnol abuse can lead to the impairment of cognitive and psychomotor functions. Driving skills and reaction time are also remarkably affected. Physical dependence on the drug will be noted in chronic users in addition to withdrawal symptoms when discontinued.
Common treatment options
Detox treatment is vital to break away from rohyphnol addiction. It is imperative to be weaned off from the drug physically under the close monitoring of skilled therapists. Drug treatment centers also provide the emotional and psychological support and therapy for a continuous management of withdrawal symptoms and tendency of relapse.
Rohyphnol withdrawal/detox symptoms
Rohyphnol may cause physical and psychological addiction which can be experienced at its peak three to four days after the last use of the drug.
Sudden discontinue of Rohyphnol may cause the following effects:
- Hallucinations
- Extreme anxiety
- Delirium
- Muscle pain
- Convulsions
- Headache
- Shock
- Derealization
- Seizures
- Cardiovascular collapse which is fatal