Rohypnol Information Sheet Although not a new phenomenon, concern over substance-related rape is rapidly increasing as perpetrators find more severe and dangerous means to sedate victims. The common use of alcohol as a sedative is being combined with and even replaced by illicit use of the drug Rohypnol (ro-hip-nol). Rohypnol is manufactured abroad and sold illegally in the United States. It is intended to curb severe and debilitating sleep disorders, but its sedative effects have been felt by victims of rape; consequently giving rise to the familiarity of Rohypnol as the "date rape" drug. How is Rohypnol used as a prelude to rape? What are the symptoms of Rohypnol? The most common scenario of reported cases in which Rohypnol is used to facilitate rape is that in which a perpetrator laces a victim's drink with a tablet of Rohypnol. Since the drug lacks color, odor, and taste and dissolves quickly, a victim can ingest it unknowingly. The initial pharmacologic effects of Rohypnol appear 15-30 minutes after intake and include impaired memory and judgement, drowsiness, loss of fine motor skills, dizziness, and confusion. The victim may feel intoxicated. Eventually the victim may lose consciousness thus becoming vulnerable to attack. The effects reach their peak within 1 to 2 hours after intake and continue for an average of 8 to 10 hours. At higher doses and when combined with other drugs the effects may persist for 24 hours. Higher doses of Rohypnol may induce amnesia. Alcohol and other drugs work synergistically with Rohypnol thus enhancing the effects. Facts about Rohypnol Manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Rohypnol is the brand name for the drug flunitrazepam. It belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines which include widely used medications such as Valium, Librium, and Xanax. The sedative effects of Rohypnol are 7-10 times greater than that of Valium. Rohypnol is available in round white tablets that are slightly smaller than an aspirin. It is available in 1mg and 2mg doses; however, the 2 mg dose is currently being removed from worldwide markets. 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. Common street names for the drug include roachies, la rocha, rope, roofies, ruffies, Mexican valium, rib, R-2 and Roach-2. How do people get Rohypnol? While Rohypnol is illegal in the United States, it is approved for prescription use in 64 countries. It is an inexpensive drug usually available for less than $5 per tablet. The most common forms of smuggling into the U.S. are through the postal service, delivery services, and by individuals. Reported use of Rohypnol has been more common in Florida and Texas, but its use throughout the U.S. is increasing. WCASA has received reports from students in Wisconsin who state that Rohypnol is available on their campuses. If you suspect you have been drugged and/or sexually assaulted Individuals who suspect they have been assaulted and/or drugged with Rohypnol (or any other substance) may choose to contact their local rape crisis center or law enforcement agency for drug testing and information on available resources. Most substances can be detected through appropriate drug testing. The findings of such tests can provide valuable evidence in a court of law if the rape survivor chooses to prosecute the case. Rohypnol can be found in urine for up to 72 hours after ingestion. Samples taken closer to the time of ingestion increase the likelihood of detecting the drug. The urine test for Rohypnol will also test for the presence of other benzodiazepines, as well as for marijuana, cocaine and some opiates and barbiturates. Individuals should also save the glass/beverage the drug was dissolved in for testing. For more information contact your local rape crisis center, the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault or your local law enforcement agency. Hoffmann-La Roche also has a toll free information line (1-800-720-1076) that provides general information on Rohypnol.     This information sheet was compiled by in 1997 by the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault (WCASA). WCASA is a membership organization of sexual assault centers and other organizations and individuals throughout Wisconsin who are working to end sexual violence. For information sheets on additional topics or for membership information, contact WCASA, (608)257-1516. This sheet may be reproduced.