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Sharon: /* Pharmacodynamics */

2017-06-07T09:15:01Z

‎Pharmacodynamics

Sharon: Created page with "== Also known as == roofies, forget-me-pill, R-2, rophies, roach, rope, forget me drug, roches, ruffles, date rape drug, la roche, rib, roofenol, the forget pill, getting roa..."

2017-06-07T09:12:32Z

Created page with "== Also known as == roofies, forget-me-pill, R-2, rophies, roach, rope, forget me drug, roches, ruffles, date rape drug, la roche, rib, roofenol, the forget pill, getting roa..."

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== Also known as ==

roofies, forget-me-pill, R-2, rophies, roach, rope, forget me drug, roches, ruffles, date rape drug, la roche, rib, roofenol, the forget pill, getting roached, lunch money drug, mexican valium, pingus, reynolds, robutal, wolfies, circles, forget pill, forget-me-pill, la rocha, roach 2, roaches, roachies, roapies, rochas dos, ropies, roples, row-shay, ruffies

== Classification ==

Sedative
[[Category:Sedatives]]
== Overview ==

Rohypnol is the common and brand name for Flunitrazepam, a benzodiazepine sometimes used in the treatment of sleep disorders <ref name="1305a">'''Rohypnol - Flunitrazepam''', 2017, http://www.release.org.uk/drugs/rohypnol-flunitrazepam</ref>.

== Medical usage ==

It is used in the short-term treatment of insomnia, as a pre-medication in surgical procedures and for inducing anaesthesia <ref name="1309a">'''Rohypnol''', 2017, https://www.drugs.com/illicit/rohypnol.html</ref>. For short-term treatment of severe insomnias, that are not responsive to other hypnotics <ref name="1313a">'''Flunitrazepam''', 2017, https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB01544</ref>.

== What does it look like? ==

Usually come in tablet form. 1 mg in the UK being green, film coated marked '542' oval and centrally scored (previously scored purple rhomboids). Non-water soluble. Some non-UK sources can be 2 mg, white and medium-small, quartered and more soluble in water. This was the probably the derivation of the 'date-rape' reputation <ref name="1305a"/>.

Prior to 1997, Rohypnol ® was manufactured as a white tablet (0.5 - 2 milligrams per tablet), and when mixed in drinks, was colourless, tasteless, and odourless. In 1997, the manufacturer responded to concerns about the drug's role in sexual assaults by reformulating the drug.

Rohypnol ® is now manufactured as an oblong olive green tablet with a speckled blue core that when dissolved in light-coloured drinks will dye the liquid blue. However, generic versions of the drug may not contain the blue dye <ref name="0318a">DEA, '''Drugs of Abuse''', 2015, Drug Enforcement Administration, https://www.dea.gov/pr/multimedia-library/publications/drug_of_abuse.pdf</ref>.

A benzodiazepine with pharmacologic actions similar to those of diazepam that can cause [[anterograde amnesia]]. Some reports indicate that it is used as a date rape drug and suggest that it may precipitate violent behaviour. The United States Government has banned the importation of this drug <ref name="1313a"/>.

== Why take it? ==

=== Sought after effects ===

* relaxing,
* sleepy,
* reduced anxiety <ref name="1305a"/>.

=== Undesired effects ===

* aggressive behaviour,
* deep and intense memory loss,
* complete loss of movement and lack of coordination potentially leaving users very vulnerable <ref name="1305a"/>.

== Dosage ==

=== Abuse ===

* light - 0.5 - 1 mg,
* common - 1 - 2 mg,
* heavy - 2 - 4 mg + <ref name="1307a">'''Flunitrazepam''', 2017, http://drugs.tripsit.me/flunitrazepam</ref>.

== What are the different forms? ==

Rohypnol, previously available as a white tablet that dissolved without colour or taste, is now formulated as a caplet that is light green with a blue core. The manufacturer instituted this change to help identify tampered drinks at clubs. When dissolved in clear liquids the blue core will turn the clear liquid to blue. However, when dissolved in darker-coloured liquids, the blue dye may not be noticeable. Generic versions of Rohypnol may not contain the blue dye <ref name="1309a"/>.

== How long do its effects last? ==

=== Onset of effects ===

* all [[ROA]]'s - 15 - 30 minutes <ref name="1307a"/>.

=== Duration of effects ===

* all [[ROA]]'s - 4 - 8 hours <ref name="1307a"/>.

=== After-effects ===

* all [[ROA]]'s - 2 - 24 hours <ref name="1307a"/>.

== Pharmacology ==

The pharmacological actions of flunitrazepam are shared with other benzodiazepine drugs in that they enhance the effect of the body's main inhibitory neurotransmitter [[GABA]] <ref name="1305a"/>.

=== Pharmacodynamics ===

Flunitrazepam is a powerful hypnotic drug that is a benzodiazepine derivative. It has powerful [[hypnotic]], [[sedative]], [[anxiolytic]], and skeletal muscle relaxant properties. The drug is sometimes used as a date rape drug. In the United States, the drug has not been approved by the [[FDA]] for medical use, and is considered to be an illegal drug. It has however been approved in the United Kingdom and other countries <ref name="1313a"/>.

=== Absorption ===

50% (suppository) and 64% - 77% (oral) <ref name="1313a"/>.

=== Metabolism ===

Hepatic <ref name="1313a"/>.

=== Half-life ===

18 - 26 hours <ref name="1313a"/>.

=== Lethal dosage ===

In rats the [[LD50]] is 2.8125 mol/kg <ref name="1313a"/>.

=== Mechanism of action ===

Benzodiazepines bind nonspecifically to benzodiazepine receptors BNZ1, which mediates sleep, and BNZ2, which affects affects muscle relaxation, anticonvulsant activity, motor coordination, and memory. As benzodiazepine receptors are thought to be coupled to gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) receptors, this enhances the effects of [[GABA]] by increasing [[GABA]] affinity for the [[GABA]] receptor. Binding of the inhibitory neurotransmitter [[GABA]] to the site opens the chloride channel, resulting in a hyperpolarized cell membrane that prevents further excitation of the cell <ref name="1313a"/>.

== How is it taken? ==

Tablets are swallowed, in 'spiking' they are crushed and added to drink, usually alcohol <ref name="1305a"/>. It can also be crushed and snorted <ref name="1306a">'''Rohypnol and GHB Basic Facts''', 2015, https://www.verywell.com/rohypnol-and-ghb-basic-facts-66989</ref>, or by dissolving prior to injection <ref name="1309a"/>, or sprinkle it on marijuana and smoke it <ref name="1310a">'''Rohypnol''', 2017, http://www.mobieg.co.za/articles/addiction/types-of-drugs/rohypnol/</ref>.

== Signs of usage ==

* blackout with complete loss of memory,
* dizziness,
* slowed breathing,
* disorientation,
* nausea,
* difficulty with motor movements and speaking <ref name="1311a">'''Rohypnol''', 2017, https://drugfree.org/drug/rohypnol/</ref>.

== Effects ==

=== Positive ===

* [[euphoria]],
* calmness <ref name="1308a">'''Flunitrazepam''', 2017, https://wiki.tripsit.me/wiki/Flunitrazepam</ref>.

=== Neutral ===

* slurred speech,
* dizziness,
* nausea <ref name="1308a"/>.

=== Negative ===

* blacking out,
* lashing out,
* stealing things,
* amnesia <ref name="1308a"/>.

== Interactions ==

=== Food ===

* avoid alcohol,
* avoid excessive quantities of coffee or tea (caffeine),
* avoid taking with grapefruit juice,
* take with food <ref name="1313a"/>.

=== Dangerous ===

* '''[[Alcohol]]''' - Ethanol ingestion may potentiate the [[CNS]] effects of many benzodiazepines. The two substances potentiate each other strongly and unpredictably, very rapidly leading to unconsciousness. While unconscious, [[vomit aspiration]] is a risk if not placed in the recovery position. Blacking out and memory loss is almost certain.
* '''[[GBL / GHB]]''' - The two substances potentiate each other strongly and unpredictably, very rapidly leading to unconsciousness. While unconscious, [[vomit aspiration]] is a risk if not placed in the recovery position.
* '''Opioids''' - Central nervous system and/or respiratory-depressant effects may be additively or synergistically present. The two substances potentiate each other strongly and unpredictably, very rapidly leading to unconsciousness. While unconscious, [[vomit aspiration]] is a risk if not placed in the recovery position. Blackouts/memory loss likely.
* '''[[Tramadol]]''' - Central nervous system- and/or respiratory-depressant effects may be additively or synergistically present. [[Vomit aspiration]] is a risk when passed out, lay down in recovery position if ingested <ref name="1307a"/>.

=== Unsafe ===

* '''[[PCP]]''' - Both substances potentiate the [[ataxia]] and [[sedation]] caused by the other and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. While unconscious, [[vomit aspiration]] is a risk if not placed in the recovery position. Memory blackouts are likely <ref name="1307a"/>.

== Withdrawal ==

* anxiety,
* insomnia,
* nausea,
* dizziness,
* depression,
* convulsions,
* psychosis <ref name="1312a">'''Rohypnol''', ''Centre for Addiction and Mental Health'', 2003, https://hnhu.org/wp-content/uploads/rohypnol_dyk1.pdf</ref>.

== Harm reduction ==

Rohypnol is an extremely powerful prescription only medicine, and should only safely be used under the direction of a doctor <ref name="1305a"/>.

* If you do take it recreationally, use only very small doses,
* Never use it with people you don't know and trust completely,
* Make sure there is at least one reliable person with you who isn't using, and that they're aware that you are,
* Never give it to anyone else,
* If you think you or someone you're with may have had their drink spiked, call 999 immediately <ref name="1305a"/>.

== History ==

Rohypnol was developed by the Swiss company Hoffman- La Roche, who had been working with benzodiazepines since the 1950's, in 1975. Its potential for misuse was quickly recognised, but it was not until 1995 that the UN reclassified it from a Schedule IV to a Schedule III drug (meaning greater restrictions on its prescription were required). It was known to be used on the gay scene in the 1980's/1990's.

Despite the negative associations with the drug, Rohypnol continues to be a popular sedative due to its fast and long acting effects, although doctors are now far more cautious in prescribing it. There remains a small but significant black market for the drug <ref name="1305a"/>.

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== References ==

<references />

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 === Unsafe ===
-* '''[[PCP]]''' - Both substances potentiate the [[ataxia]] and [[sedation]] caused by the other and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. While unconscious, [[vomit aspiration]] is a risk if not placed in the recovery position. Memory blackouts are likely <ref name="1307a"/>.
+* '''[[Phencyclidine|PCP]]''' - Both substances potentiate the [[ataxia]] and [[sedation]] caused by the other and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. While unconscious, [[vomit aspiration]] is a risk if not placed in the recovery position. Memory blackouts are likely <ref name="1307a"/>.
 == Withdrawal ==

@@ Line 71: / Line 71: @@
 === Pharmacodynamics ===
-Flunitrazepam is a powerful hypnotic drug that is a benzodiazepine derivative. It has powerful [[hypnotic]], [[sedative]], [[anxiolytic]], and skeletal muscle relaxant properties. The drug is sometimes used as a date rape drug. In the United States, the drug has not been approved by the [[FDA]] for medical use, and is considered to be an illegal drug. It has however been approved in the United Kingdom and other countries <ref name="1313a"/>.
+Flunitrazepam is a powerful [[hypnotic]] drug that is a benzodiazepine derivative. It has powerful [[hypnotic]], [[sedative]], [[anxiolytic]], and skeletal muscle relaxant properties. The drug is sometimes used as a date rape drug. In the United States, the drug has not been approved by the [[FDA]] for medical use, and is considered to be an illegal drug. It has however been approved in the United Kingdom and other countries <ref name="1313a"/>.
 === Absorption ===

Rohypnol - Revision history

Sharon: /* Unsafe */

Sharon: /* Pharmacodynamics */

Sharon: Created page with "== Also known as == roofies, forget-me-pill, R-2, rophies, roach, rope, forget me drug, roches, ruffles, date rape drug, la roche, rib, roofenol, the forget pill, getting roa..."