Rohypnol (pronounced: row-hip-nol) is a low-cost, increasingly popular drug. Because it often comes in presealed bubble packs, many teens think that the drug is safe.

Street Names:

roofies, roach, forget-me pill, date rape drug

How It's Used:

This drug is swallowed, sometimes with alcohol or other drugs.

Effects & Dangers:

Rohypnol is a prescription anti-anxiety medication that is ten times more powerful than Valium.

It can cause the blood pressure to drop, as well as cause memory loss, drowsiness, dizziness, and an upset stomach.

Though it's part of the depressant family of drugs, it causes some people to be overly excited or aggressive.

Rohypnol has gotten a lot of attention recently because of its association with date rape. Many teen girls and women report having been raped after having rohypnol slipped into their drinks.

Addictiveness:

Users can become physically addicted to rohypnol, so it can cause extreme withdrawal symptoms when users stop.

Reviewed by: Wes Bowman, PhD
Date reviewed: June 2002
Originally reviewed by: Jonathan Schneider, DO