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How Much Rohypnol Can I Safely Take?

photo of diverse crowd of male and female students demonstrating the 5 commonly abused drugs by high school students

Rohypnol is a benzodiazepine medication with sedating, anti-anxiety, and hypnotic properties. Although it’s prescribed in a number of countries to treat insomnia, Rohypnol has never been legal in the United States. It’s commonly smuggled in, however, and is widely abused.

Rohypnol is a very powerful drug, about 10 times as strong as Valium. The effects of a single dose, as small as 1 milligram, can last for 8 to 12 hours. Effects begin after about 30 minutes, and typically peak about two hours after ingestion.

The Risks of Rohypnol Use

Although Rohypnol isn’t legally prescribed in the United States, other benzodiazepine drugs are commonly used in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. Even the legal benzodiazepine drugs, however, are only approved for the short-term use of a few weeks. This is due to the fact that drug tolerance and dependence can develop very quickly. Drug dependence can lead to drug addiction, in which people crave the drug, are unable to control their consumption of it and continue to use it despite negative consequences.

Rohypnol Side Effects

There are a number of very serious effects associated with Rohypnol. The drug is known as a “date-rape” drug, because it tends to cause disinhibition and amnesia. People who take the drug, either knowingly or unknowingly, may not remember anything that happened while they were under its influence. The effects are intensified when the drug is combined with alcohol, leading to memory loss of up to 24 hours.

Rohypnol is a sedating drug, and as such can cause extreme drowsiness, slurred speech, decreased blood pressure and impaired coordination. It can also cause paradoxical effects such as aggression, nightmares, and seizures. Confusion is common. Many overdose deaths are attributed to respiratory depression, which is especially common when Rohypnol is combined with alcohol.

When people become dependent on Rohypnol, withdrawal symptoms also become part of the picture. There are a wide variety of possible withdrawal symptoms. These include vomiting, headache, insomnia, heart problems, seizures, hallucinations and delirium. It is important that Rohypnol detox be supervised medically, because withdrawal can be dangerous and even fatal.

Rohypnol is widely abused, in part, because it is relatively inexpensive. However, it isn’t a safe drug to take recreationally in any amount. The risks are too high and the possible consequences too great.

Rohypnol Addiction Help

If you find yourself struggling with a Rohypnol addiction and are ready to break free, give us a call. Counselors who staff our toll-free helpline are ready to answer your questions. They can help you understand your treatment options, including checking your insurance coverage, if you wish, at no cost or obligation. We’re available 24 hours a day, so there’s never a wrong time to call. Don’t live with the risks of Rohypnol. Call now.

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