Rohypnol - What Is It Made Of?

What Is It Made Of?

Rohypnol is a benzodiazepine. It contains ingredients that slow down the brain and body. Rohypnol is stronger than other benzodiazepines, such as Valium, Xanax, and Halcion, which are available by prescription in the United States. In low doses, Rohypnol sedates and relaxes the user. In higher doses it causes sleep and can incapacitate a person who has consumed it.

An overdose of Rohypnol, which may occur after ingesting about seven or more tablets, can lead to comaA state of unconsciousness from which a person cannot be aroused by noise or other stimuli. and death. Death has occurred most often when Rohypnol has been mixed with heroin or other depressants such as alcohol. (Entries on heroin and alcohol are available in this encyclopedia.)

Rohypnol was originally a small, round white pill with the name Roche etched into it along with the number indicating the dose of the pill (either a "1" for 1 milligram or a "2" for 2 milligrams). This pill is still available, along with the reformulated, larger, oblong green tablet with the number 542 on one side. The number 542 tablet contains a bright blue dye that is released when it is put in a drink. This dye alerts the drinker to the presence of the drug and is intended to stop an impending assault from occurring.