Advice

Rohypnol is a prescription-only sleeping pill but it has become better known as the date-rape drug. Get clued-up on Rohypnol here, plus tips on avoiding getting your drink spiked with it...

What is it?

Rohypnol is a prescription-only sleeping pill that is used for anxiety and sleeplessness. It comes in the form of white or blue pills.

It is infamous as the date-rape drug.

How does it make you feel?

Rohypnol will relax you and slow you down. It is like a very strong version of valium. It comes on in 10-30 minutes and lasts about eight hours.

If you use it regularly, then you'll get a tolerance and you'll need more to get the same effect.

What are the health effects?

Rohypnol is the original date-rape drug. A strong dose in a drink will quickly knock you right out. It can keep you out for quite a few hours and when you wake you won't remember all that has happened to you. Traces of the drug disappear from your blood 24 hours after taking it. So it is hard to prove that you were spiked unless you get a test quickly.

Be very careful of who you take drinks from. Don't go back to a drink if you've left it on its own. Stick with your mates and tell them if you start to feel drowsy. It's especially dangerous when combined with too much alcohol as it can cause people to stop breathing.

Long term use can give you a physical habit with nasty withdrawals that make it very hard to quit. You'll get bad headaches, muscle spasms, confusion and possible fits.

The law

Rohypnol is a class C drug. It is only available on private prescription. Possession carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison, while supply could mean five years in prison. Both sentences could also mean an unlimited fine.