Student Health Services - The University of Iowa

Substance Abuse

Rohypnol

Slang for Rohypnol: Roofies, Ruffies, Ropies, Roche, R-2, Mexican Valium, Rib, Rope

Definition: Rohynol is a benzodiazepine, prescribed outside of the U.S. for treatment of sleep disorders

Effects include:

  • impaired motor skills
  • muscle relaxation
  • decreased blood pressure
  • sleepiness
  • amnesia
  • disinhibition

Effects of overdose include: Rohypnol overdose alone is unlikely to be fatal but when mixed with alcohol, as is common, death is more likely.

Duration: onset within 30 minutes of ingestion
Peak within 2 hours and may last for 8 hours depending on amount taken.

Administration: oral, dissolved in drinks, occasionally snorted

Page updated: 3/27/08