II. Background: Street Names

  1. Roachies
  2. La Rocha
  3. Rope
  4. Rib Roche
  5. Roofies
  6. Ruffies
  7. Mexican Valium
  8. Rophies
  9. Forget-me pill

III. Indications

  1. Medical Uses
    1. Sedative-Hypnotic for Insomnia (Sleep aid)
    2. Pre-surgical Sedative
  2. Illicit Uses (widely available for legal purchase in Europe and Latin America)
    1. Calm down after Cocaine
    2. Date Rape Drug (5% of Date Rapes in U.S.)

IV. Pharmacokinetics

  1. Benzodiazepine (similar to Versed)
    1. Relative potency to Valium: 10 fold more potent
  2. Typical Dosages: 1-2 mg
  3. Onset effect 20-30 minutes
  4. Peak effect 1-2 hours
  5. Sedative Effect after 2 mg tab: 6-8 hours
    1. Duration longer when combined with Alcohol or drugs
  6. Dissolves in frothy drinks (Daiquiri, Margarita)

V. Effects

  1. Lower dose (1-2 mg)
    1. Relaxes skeletal Muscle and impairs motor skills
    2. Reduces inhibitions and impairs judgment
    3. Reduces anxiety
  2. Higher dose
    1. Appears Drunk
    2. Dizziness
    3. Confusion
    4. Amnestic effect (variable, may be over 24 hours)
    5. Loss or Altered Level of Consciousness

VI. Toxicology: Gas chromatography Urine Sample

  1. Metabolites detected up to 72 hours after 2 mg tablet
    1. Main metabolite: 7-amino-Flunitrazepam
  2. Needs to be sent to special lab
  3. Hoffmann-La Roche offers free testing
    1. General Info: 800-720-1076
    2. Testing: 800-608-6540
  4. Also detects
    1. Other Benzodiazepines
    2. Marijuana
    3. Cocaine
    4. Some Opiates
    5. Some Barbiturates

VII. Drug Interactions (may be lethal in combination)

VIII. Antidote

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