Roofies

Roofies is a colloquial term for the drug Rohypnol, a powerful sedative that is often associated with instances of drug-facilitated sexual assault or date rape.

History

Rohypnol, the drug commonly referred to as "roofies", is a brand name for Flunitrazepam, a product of the pharmaceutical company Roche. It was first synthesized in the early 1970s and has been sold in over 60 countries. It is not legally available for prescription in the United States, but is used in other countries for the treatment of insomnia and as a pre-anesthetic.

Pharmacology

Rohypnol is a benzodiazepine, a class of drugs that act on the central nervous system. It is approximately ten times more potent than Valium, another benzodiazepine. The drug works by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, resulting in sedative, muscle-relaxant, and anti-anxiety effects.

Use and Misuse

While Rohypnol has legitimate medical uses, it has gained notoriety for its illicit use as a date rape drug. It is often slipped into a person's drink without their knowledge. The drug is odorless and tasteless, and can cause a person to become incapacitated and suffer memory loss, making it difficult for them to resist or recall a sexual assault.

Legal Status

In the United States, Rohypnol is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. It is illegal to manufacture, distribute, or possess the drug. In other countries, the legal status of Rohypnol varies, but it is often controlled to some degree due to its potential for abuse and its association with sexual assault.

See Also

• Date rape
• Benzodiazepine
• Controlled Substances Act