Flunitrazepam . “date

Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) is most commonly ingested orally, frequently in conjunction with alcohol or other drugs. It is often taken with other CNS depressants and has been given to women (without their knowledge) to lower their inhibitions. Thus it has been called a date-rape drug. 

Trade names of some benzodiazepines are Ativan (lorazepam), Dalmane (flurazepam), Halcion (triazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam). Librium (chlordiazepoxide), Restoril (temazepam), Serax (oxazepam). Valium (diazepam). Versed (midazolam), and Xanax (alprazolam). Some street names include benzos, downers, and goofballs. The date rape drug Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) has its own group of names, including forget-me pill, Mexican valium, mind erasers, R2, roches, roofies, rope, and rophies (Figure 7.2). Except for Rohypnol , which cannot be sold in the United States, the benzodiazepines are listed as Schedule IV drugs. 

Many people in the United States have heard of Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), otherwise known as the date rape drug, as a result of news reports about its abuse. Rohypnol is neither actually on the market nor approved for medical use in the United States. However, it is legal and available by prescription in other parts of the world, including Mexico, South America, Asia, and Europe, where it is one of the most widely used benzodiazepine drugs. Like other benzodiazepines, it is a downer, meaning it acts as a sedative and has a depressant effect on the body s central nervous system (CNS). Other common benzodiazepine drugs include Valium, Xanax, and Halcyon. 

Anglin, D. Flunitrazepam and Its Involvement in Date or Acquaintance Rape. Academic Emergency Medicine 4 (April 1997) 323-26. 

Finally, very rapid onset benzodiazepines have been widely reported as a means of "date rape," by using a small tasteless dose of the drug to make the victim incapable of protecting herself (or himself). This produces intoxication but not dependence. The drug most commonly used in this situation has been flunitrazepam (Rohypnol, "roofies," not available in the USA) and more recently GHB. The amnesia-producing effects of the benzodiazepines (see Chapter 22 Sedative-Hypnotic Drugs) make the victim unable to describe the events after she or he has recovered. 

Many benzodiazepines have potent hypnotic activity and are useful in the treatment of insomnia. Examples include flurazepam (Dalmane, A.93), midazolam (Versed, A.94), temazepam (Restoril, A.95), and triazolam (Halcion, A.96) (Figure A.28). Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol, A.97) is a particularly notorious sedative. Often called roofie or the date rape drug, flunitrazepam causes sedation and amnesia. Because of flunitrazepam s tendency to be abused, almost all nations tightly regulate the drug s availability. 

Another compound used in some countries as a hypnotic is lorazepam, which can show some rebound phenomena [18], A similar compound, the chlorinated derivative of temazepam, lormetazepam, shows marked rebound phenomena [19], Flunitrazepam is aparticularly controversial benzodiazepine [20], It has achieved notoriety as the date-rape drug, although documented instances of clandestine use are sparse. It has a high abuse potential, resulting in tight scheduling. However, it does not appear to have a particular propensity to prominent rebound or withdrawal problems. 

Has earned a reputation as a date rape drug in A/hich sexual predators have allegedly slipped flunitrazepam into A/omen s drinks to induce sexual relations... 

This class includes drugs with sedating or amnesic effects. GHB (gamma hydroxybutyric acid), the GHB precursor, 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD), and Rohypnol or flunitrazepam are sometimes used for sexual assault or for the central nervous system (CNS) effects. Both GHB and Rohypnol have been referred to as date... 

Answer A. The signs and symptoms are characteristic of a CNS stimulant that facilitates the activity of amines in both the CNS and the periphery. Amphetamines promote the release of NE from sympathetic nerve endings, causing CV stimulation and pupillary dilation. In the CNS, they enhance the actions of DA, NE, and 5HT, causing behavioral excitation and a psychotic state that may be difficult to distinguish from schizophrenia. Ethanol, marijuana, fentanyl, and flunitrazepam (a benzodiazepine that has been used in date rape ) are all CNS depressants. 

Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol), a potent rapid-onset benzodiazepine with marked amnestic properties, has been used in date rape. Added to alcoholic beverages, chloral hydrate or gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) will render the victim incapable of resisting rape. 

Flunitrazepam fits part of the description of this date rape drug, but it is not chemically related to known neurotransmitters. Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB Liquid ecsta.sy ), a popular street drug, is structurally related to GABA. GHB causes amnesia and in overdose has resulted in seizures, coma, and death. Metcathinone (khat, Cat ) is a natural plant alkaloid with CNS-stimulating properties similar to those of amphetamine. The answer is (C). 

The anxiolytic effects of lorazepam and possibly chlordiazepoxide may be opposed by alcohol. Alprazolam and alcohol together may possibly increase behavioural aggression. Similarly, flunitrazepam abuse can cause violent behaviour, impulsive decision-making and anterograde amnesia a report looking at violent crimes committed by abusers of flunitrazepam found that alcohol was almost always also present. Alcoholic drinks also enhance the effects of flunitrazepam when it is used as a date rape drug. ... 

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