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Roofies: The Date Rape Drug

The drug Rohypnol (pronounced "row-Hip-nol"), or "Roofies" as it is being called on the street. It is also called "Ruffies", "Roche", "R-2", "Rib" and "Rope" and reportedly is quickly becoming the "date rape drug of choice."

Rohypnol is a brand name for Flunitrazepam (a benodiazepine), a very potent tranquilizer similar in nature to Valium (Diazepam), but many times stronger. The drug produces a sedative effect, amnesia, muscle relaxation, and a slowing of psychomotor responses. Sedative occurs 20-30 minutes after administration and lasts for several hours.

Rohypnol, particularly when mixed with alcohol or other drugs may lead to respiratory depression, aspiration, and even death. A two-milligram dose can put a person into an excited, agitated and inhibited state, leaving only amnesia. About 10 minutes after ingesting the drug, the victim may:

• Feel dizzy and disoriented
• Feel simultaneously too hot and too cold
• Feel nauseated
• Experience difficulty speaking and moving, and then
• Pass out 

The victim will have no memories of what happened while under the drug's influence.
To avoid being slipped the drug, take these precautions:

• Do not accept open drinks, particular from strangers.
• If you are drinking from a bottle or can, open it yourself.
• If you ask someone to watch your drink, make sure it is someone you trust.
• Be especially careful about mixed drinks because they do not come in seal containers.

******  Illegally manufactured Rohypnol dissolves very easily in beverages, and the amnesiac state can begin within 10 minutes. The issues and concerns about this drug are that it is tasteless, colorless, and odorless.*******