Rape, “date benzodiazepines used

The benzodiazepine Rohypnol has a rapid onset of action and has been used as a date rape drug. The victim will have no memory of any events that occurred while under the influence of the drug. The effects begin in about 20 to 30 minutes and peak in about two hours. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Librium was stmcturally modified in an attempt to find other tranquilizers. One successful modification produced Valium , a tranquilizer almost 10 times more potent than Librium . Currently, there are eight benzodiazepines in clinical use as tranquilizers in the United States and some 15 others abroad. Xanax is one of the most widely prescribed medications Rohypnol is one of the so-called date-rape dmgs. 

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. 

II. Drugs utilized. Contrary to the popular belief that specific date rape drugs are involved In these crimes, a variety of drugs with amnestic or CNS depressant effects can be used to facilitate assault, including benzodiazepines, other sedative-hypnotic drugs, skeletal muscle relaxants, anticholinergics, hallucinogens, and of course, ethanol (Table 1-45). 

On the illicit drug market, diazepam ( Valium ), temazepam (often referred to as jellies ), and flu-nitrazepam ( Rohypnol ) are used as drug substitutes, as additives in drug-preparations, or in combination with alcohol, as methods of incapacitating individuals ( Rohypnol is sometimes known as a date rape drug ). Virtually all of the benzodiazepines in the illicit market result from diversion from legitimate sources and there is no evidence of clandestine manufacture. 

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