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░ Definition
Rohypnol, a trade name for flunitrazepam, belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. Other names are Valium and Xanax. The pills are round, white and smaller than aspirin.
This drug was developed as a sleeping aid. Because it is inexpensive, nowadays, it is becoming popular amongst high school and college students. Rohypnol is used mostly at parties in the USA, and usually taken with alcohol.
░ Effects of rohypnol
The behaviour :
People lower their inhibitions. Rohypnol can produce muscle relaxation and amnesia too. And although Rohypnol is a sedative, it can cause aggressive behaviour.
Its continued use may result in addiction. Withdrawal symptoms may occur and include headaches, sore muscles, hallucinations, convulsions, and possibly seizures 1-2 weeks after giving up the drug.
░ The brain
The benzodiazepines influence behaviour by interacting with receptors on neurons in the brain that use the neurotransmitter called GABA. It usually inhibits a neuron and acts reducing neuronal activity, that is to say, reduce brain activity.
The fact that there are receptors for benzodiazepines in the brain suggests that the brain makes its own type of benzodiazepine. They have discovered that the brain makes its own morphine, the endorphins, but the brain's own benzodiazepine has not yet been discovered.
░ Important: The "date rape" drug
Because Rohypnol is colourless, odorless and flavourless, it can be slipped into drinks unnoticed. This is one reason why this drug is so dangerous: people may consume it without knowing it.
In the past few years, Rohypnol has become known as the "date rape" drug. People will come home from a party and have no idea what happened to them because they unknowingly ingested Rohypnol, passed out, and woke up several hours later with no memory of the evening. During all that time, Rohypnol users became absolutely defenseless victims.
More information (University of Washington) >>
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