Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam)

Rohypnol is the brand name for flunitrazepam, a potent benzodiazepine first introduced in the 1970s. Belonging to the same drug family as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax), it was initially prescribed in some countries for short-term treatment of severe insomnia and as a sedative before surgery.

Unlike other benzodiazepines, Rohypnol is extremely strong, with effects lasting up to 12 hours or longer. Its potency is roughly 10 times greater than diazepam, making it highly effective as a sedative but also highly risky for misuse.

Medical Uses of Rohypnol

In countries where it remains available (not the USA or UK), Rohypnol has been prescribed for:

• Severe, short-term insomnia unresponsive to other treatments

• Pre-anesthesia sedation before surgery

• Occasionally, as a treatment for intense anxiety disorders (less common)

Because of its extreme sedative power, doctors generally reserve it for very limited use under strict supervision.

How Rohypnol Works

Rohypnol enhances the effects of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), the brain’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter. By amplifying GABA’s calming signals, it slows brain activity and produces:

• Sedation and sleepiness

• Muscle relaxation

• Reduced anxiety

• Memory impairment (amnesia)

 This amnesic effect is one of the main reasons Rohypnol became notorious as a “date rape drug,” since victims may not remember what happened while under its influence.

Side Effects of Rohypnol

Common side effects include:

• Drowsiness and fatigue

• Confusion

• Dizziness

• Impaired coordination

• Slurred speech

Serious risks include:

• Severe memory loss (blackouts)

• Respiratory depression when combined with alcohol or opioids

• Dependence and addiction with repeated use

• Overdose, which can be life-threatening

Rohypnol and Misuse Concerns

Rohypnol is strongly associated with misuse, particularly in criminal settings. Its colorless, tasteless formulation (especially in early versions) allowed it to be dissolved in drinks without detection. This led to its label as a “date rape drug.”

Today, manufacturers have altered the drug (in countries where legal) to include a blue dye to make it easier to spot in drinks. Nonetheless, its reputation remains linked to sexual assault and illegal use.