Rohypnol® is a trade name for flunitrazepam, a CNS depressant that belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. Flunitrazepam is also marketed as generic preparations and other trade name products outside of the United States. Like other benzodiazepines, Rohypnol® produces sedative-hypnotic, anti-anxiety, and muscle relaxant effects. Flunitrazepam is a benzodiazepine drug known for its sedative, hypnotic, and anxiolytic (antianxiety) properties and for its illicit use, most notably as a so-called date rape drug. Flunitrazepam, sold under the brand name Rohypnol among others, [4] is a benzodiazepine used to treat severe insomnia and assist with anesthesia. [5] As with other hypnotics, flunitrazepam has been advised to be prescribed only for short-term use or by those with chronic insomnia on an occasional basis. [5] Flunitrazepam was patented in 1962 and came into medical use in 1974. [6] Nicknamed. Find out the common signs of being roofied, including confusion and memory loss, and how to stay safe. When a date rape drug begins to cause symptoms and how long symptoms last depends on how much you are given and whether it's mixed with alcohol or other drugs. Rohypnol Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam) is a benzodiazepine with properties similar to diazepam (Valium). Like all benzodiazepines, Rohypnol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant and produces sedative effects by inhibiting the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory chemical that reduces nerve activity in the CNS, creating side effects such as. Rohypnol is an antianxiety medication. Because it can cause extreme drowsiness (or blackouts ), the drug is often used in date rapes. Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) is used in the short-term treatment of insomnia and as a premedication for surgery. Rohypnol is also known as the date rape drug due to its amnesia properties when used illicitly. Victims given the drug would have limited or no recollection of a sexual assault. Rohypnol, known for its role in sexual assault, is a powerful Benzodiazepine illegal in the US. Still, Rohypnol addiction and abuse persist. Rohypnol Facts Rohypnol is a central nervous system depressant that impairs mental functioning and can cause amnesia, confusion and impaired judgment. It has been used as a date rape drug and is frequently used with other substances such as alcohol, cocaine and heroin. Rohypnol is extremely addictive, and signs of addiction include using larger amounts than intended, persistent failure to cut.