Age 16       Our society is more apt to excuse male drinking behavior; but when a woman drinks and is raped, we are more likely to hold her responsible for what happened. No one asks or deserves to be violated like that. Rohypnol, also known as the "date rape drug" or "roofies", is a sedative believed to be ten times the strength of valium. It doesn't have a taste or odor once dissolved in drinks. The drug also has frightening sedative effects on its victims such as amnesia and slowing down psychomotor performance. "Roofies" are white in color and look similar to Tylenol. They frequently have the word "ROCHE" written on it with a "1" or "2" encircled at the bottom.           Jo Ann, Age 16   Rohypnol is illegal in the United States, however it is a legal prescription drug sold in Europe as sleeping medication. It's usually smuggled into the U.S. and transported within the mail or delivery service. Rohypnol is most often sold in its original bubble packaging, creating a sense of legality and security in its use. A major concern now is the drug's low cost ranging from $2 up to about $5 per tablet, the inexpensive drug tends to attract young users.     It has been reported to be used by youth of all socioeconomic backgrounds. The presence of the drug has been seen at raves, nightclubs, college campuses, fraternities, and gangs. College students using Rohypnol report mixing it with alcohol to enhance the feeling of drunkenness. The perceived safety of the drug along with the trend of use in combination with other substances creates the possibility of it becoming a gateway to harder drugs. Physical Effects of Rohypnol physical dependence psychological dependence possibly leads to the use of other drugs memory impairment decreased blood pressure drowsiness dizziness visual disturbances urinary retention gastrointestinal disturbances Possible Withdrawal Symptoms headache muscle pain confusion hallucinations convulsions extreme anxiety restlessness irritability seizures may occur a week or more after withdrawal numbness tingling of the extremities (hands and feet) cardiovascular collapse Treatment for Rohypnol dependence must be gradual, using diminishing doses of other denzodiazepines. Other Names for Rohypnol the date rape drug rophies la rocha roofenol roach R2 Rib Mexican valium rope roofies circles lunch money potatoes pappas whitey's negatives pluses Flunitrazepam (chemical name)   Info from Hoffman-La Roche (manufacturer of Rohypnol) Home