What is Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam)?

From the Guidelines

Rohypnol, also known as flunitrazepam, is a potent benzodiazepine medication that should be used with extreme caution due to its high potential for abuse and serious safety concerns, particularly in the context of "date rape" and its ability to cause amnesia, sedation, and impairment when mixed with alcohol. The effects of Rohypnol begin 20 to 30 minutes after ingestion, peak within 2 hours, and persist for up to 8 to 12 hours if given without alcohol and up to 36 hours with alcohol 1. This medication has a much higher potency than common benzodiazepines like diazepam and can cause side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, and respiratory depression, especially when combined with other central nervous system depressants.

Some key points to consider when dealing with Rohypnol or similar substances include:

• The importance of prompt toxicology screening if there is suspicion of use, as these drugs are only detectable for a short time 1
• The need for close medical supervision if prescribed legitimately, due to risks of dependence and withdrawal
• The potential for medical complications such as hypotension, visual disturbances, dizziness, and urinary retention 1
• The fact that Rohypnol is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance internationally, with stricter controls in many countries

It is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of individuals who may be at risk of exposure to Rohypnol or similar substances, and to take a cautious approach to their use and management. As noted in a study on the management of chronic insomnia disorder in adults, there is insufficient evidence to determine the comparative safety or efficacy of pharmacologic or psychological treatments for insomnia disorder, and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is likely to have fewer harms than pharmacologic therapy 1.

From the Research

Insomnia Treatment

The term "rohipnal" is likely a misspelling or variation of the name of a medication used to treat insomnia. Based on the provided studies, we can discuss the effects of various hypnotic drugs on insomnia.

• Eszopiclone, a newer generation hypnotic, has been shown to be effective in treating insomnia, with moderate effects on sleep onset and maintenance 2.
• Zolpidem, another hypnotic drug, has been compared to flunitrazepam in several studies, with results indicating that zolpidem can improve sleep parameters without altering sleep architecture or impairing daytime cognitive functions 3, 4.
• Flunitrazepam, a well-known hypnotic, has been shown to increase stage 2 sleep and decrease slow wave sleep and REM sleep, while also impairing attention and memory 3, 4.

Comparison of Hypnotic Drugs

The studies suggest that different hypnotic drugs can have varying effects on sleep structure and daytime cognitive functions. For example:

• Eszopiclone has been shown to have a moderate effect on sleep onset latency, wake time after sleep onset, and total sleep time 2.
• Zolpidem has been found to preserve sleep structure and daytime cognitive functions, while flunitrazepam can impair attention and memory 3, 4.

Adverse Events

The studies also report on adverse events associated with the use of hypnotic drugs, including:

• Eszopiclone: unpleasant taste, dry mouth, somnolence, and dizziness 2.
• Zolpidem and flunitrazepam: no significant adverse events were reported in the studies, although flunitrazepam was found to impair attention and memory 3, 4.