Scottish Drugs Forum
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Drug group - Benzodiazepines
Street names
Wallbangers, ruffies
Brand name
Rohypnol. (Roche)
Drug effect
Depressant (downer)
Description
Greyish/green oval scored tablet, marked 542.
Therapeutic use
Insomnia, anxiety
Street use
Swallowed and injected
Dependency
Yes
Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms begin up to 7 days after last dose. Symptoms include anxiety, restlessness, tremor, feelings of unreality, distortions of perceptions, and may last for many months. There is a risk of seizure following sudden withdrawal.
Long term use
Mental confusion
Memory loss
Depression
Unpredictable or aggressive behaviour
Loss of physical co-ordination
If injected - infection risk, circulatory problems
Overdose risk
Death from overdose is extremely rare but risks increase if mixed with other drugs such as opiates, barbiturates or alcohol.
Legal status
Prescription Only Medicine
Class C, Schedule 3
Illegal to possess without a prescription and to supply to others.
SPECIAL NOTE
In the United States, there have been claims that flunitrazepam causes retrograde amnesia, in 'date rape' allegations in which the complainants have alleged the drug was administered against their wishes and they cannot remember what subsequently happened. The manufacturers have since developed a colour-releasing forumulation of Rohypnol., which increases its visibility and hence reduces the likelihood of it being swallowed. When the green tablet is added to a drink, it is visible for a long time and as the tablet starts to dissolve, a bright blue colour disperses and particles of tablet float around in the drink.