You hear about "date rape drugs" in the news all the time. But what exactly are they? What are they made of? What do people call them? Here is a quick run-down of the three major ones. To help you avoid them.
Rohypnol
Rohypnol is the trade name for the drug flunitrazepam, a central nervous system depressant like Valium, but 10 times more potent. It is neither manufactured nor approved for sale in the United States. It has often been used in the commission of sexual assaults due to its powerful ability to sedate and intoxicate unsuspecting victims. Street names include Mexican Valium, circles, roofies, la rocha, roche, R2, rope, and forget-me pill.
The effects of Rohypnol can last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours and in some cases as many as 12 or more hours. Lower doses of the drug can cause muscle relaxation, decreased blood pressure, sleepiness and hypnotic effects. In higher doses, it causes a loss of muscle control, loss of consciousness, and partial amnesia. When combined with alcohol, the toxic effects of Rohypnol can be dangerously increased. When used in the commission of sexual assault, a Rohypnol pill will usually be dissolved, or ground up, and put into a drink.
GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid)
GHB is also considered a central nervous system depressant and was originally developed as a tranquilizer. Until 1990, it was sold in health food stores and sold for anxiety, insomnia and for athletes and body builders. The FDA removed GHB from the market in 1990 due to reports of GHB related coma and seizures. Because it is often colorless, tasteless, and odorless, it can secretly be added to beverages and consumed unknowingly. Common street names for GHB include liquid ecstasy, soap, easy lay, vita-G, and Georgia home boy.
Users of GHB describe effects similar to those of alcohol, but, episodes of loss of consciousness happen more often and are more unpredictable. Its effects are even worse if taken with alcohol and can result in sickness and trouble breathing. Its effects begin about 15 to 20 minutes after taking it, and usually last 3 to 4 hours. Because GHB can produce amnesia and can be easily poured into beverages, it has been used to facilitate sexual assault. Victims often lose consciousness and may not be able to resist or recall a sexual assault. Deadly effects of GHB include auto accidents, overdose and seizures. No antidote exists for GHB intoxication.
Ketamine
Ketamine Hydrocholoride is a tranquilizer that has a combination of stimulant, depressant, and hallucinogenic properties. Legally used as a pre-operative veterinary anesthetic, ketamine is abused for these properties and used to facilitate sexual assault. It is manufactured commercially as a powder or liquid, and is usually smuggled here from Mexico. Common street names for ketamine are K, special K, ket, kit kat, vitamin K, purple, special la coke, cat valium, super acid, super C, Lady K, super K, ketaject, and cat tranquilizers.
A central nervous system depressant, the common effects of ketamine include amnesia, agitation, paralysis, memory loss, unconsciousness, nausea, and delirium. These effects begin within a few minutes of taking the drug. When used in sexual assault, the offender will often mix ketamine into victims’ drinks – usually without their knowledge – or encourage victims to try it. No antidote exists for ketamine intoxication.
Rohypnol
Rohypnol is the trade name for the drug flunitrazepam, a central nervous system depressant like Valium, but 10 times more potent. It is neither manufactured nor approved for sale in the United States. It has often been used in the commission of sexual assaults due to its powerful ability to sedate and intoxicate unsuspecting victims. Street names include Mexican Valium, circles, roofies, la rocha, roche, R2, rope, and forget-me pill.
The effects of Rohypnol can last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours and in some cases as many as 12 or more hours. Lower doses of the drug can cause muscle relaxation, decreased blood pressure, sleepiness and hypnotic effects. In higher doses, it causes a loss of muscle control, loss of consciousness, and partial amnesia. When combined with alcohol, the toxic effects of Rohypnol can be dangerously increased. When used in the commission of sexual assault, a Rohypnol pill will usually be dissolved, or ground up, and put into a drink.
GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid)
GHB is also considered a central nervous system depressant and was originally developed as a tranquilizer. Until 1990, it was sold in health food stores and sold for anxiety, insomnia and for athletes and body builders. The FDA removed GHB from the market in 1990 due to reports of GHB related coma and seizures. Because it is often colorless, tasteless, and odorless, it can secretly be added to beverages and consumed unknowingly. Common street names for GHB include liquid ecstasy, soap, easy lay, vita-G, and Georgia home boy.
Users of GHB describe effects similar to those of alcohol, but, episodes of loss of consciousness happen more often and are more unpredictable. Its effects are even worse if taken with alcohol and can result in sickness and trouble breathing. Its effects begin about 15 to 20 minutes after taking it, and usually last 3 to 4 hours. Because GHB can produce amnesia and can be easily poured into beverages, it has been used to facilitate sexual assault. Victims often lose consciousness and may not be able to resist or recall a sexual assault. Deadly effects of GHB include auto accidents, overdose and seizures. No antidote exists for GHB intoxication.
Ketamine
Ketamine Hydrocholoride is a tranquilizer that has a combination of stimulant, depressant, and hallucinogenic properties. Legally used as a pre-operative veterinary anesthetic, ketamine is abused for these properties and used to facilitate sexual assault. It is manufactured commercially as a powder or liquid, and is usually smuggled here from Mexico. Common street names for ketamine are K, special K, ket, kit kat, vitamin K, purple, special la coke, cat valium, super acid, super C, Lady K, super K, ketaject, and cat tranquilizers.
A central nervous system depressant, the common effects of ketamine include amnesia, agitation, paralysis, memory loss, unconsciousness, nausea, and delirium. These effects begin within a few minutes of taking the drug. When used in sexual assault, the offender will often mix ketamine into victims’ drinks – usually without their knowledge – or encourage victims to try it. No antidote exists for ketamine intoxication.