Rohypnol is the commercial name for Flunitrazepam which is classified as a benzodiazepine class medication. Rohypnol is also sold under the names Hypnodorm, Hypnor and Insom in South Africa as a prescription medication used for many insomnia, anaesthetic related symptoms. It has been used as a date rape drug, and it goes by a number of different street names, including liquid ecstasy and lollipops. Rohypnol is a strong sedative that is no longer legally sold in the U.S. and usage can quickly lead to addiction and dependence.
Facts on insomnia & anaesthetic medications
Rohypnol is prescribed as a schedule 5 controlled medication classed as benzodiazepine used for insomina, anaesthetic. This high scheduling in South Africa means that any medical doctors prescribing or dispensing benzodiazepines like (Rohypnol, Hypnodorm, Hypnor and Insom) which contain Flunitrazepam must keep a national name registry record of prescription allocations as it is a highly controlled substance in South African law.
The motivation for this high scheduling for Flunitrazepam, Hypnodorm, Hypnor and Insom and other benzodiazepine medications is due to the fact that psychoactive drugs like Rohypnol can affect on the chemical makeup of the nervous system and brain and are capable of affecting your emotions, mind and your behaviour.
Psychotropic medications like Flunitrazepam has tolerance factors that can lead to “addiction” (even if used as directed) and the medication may impede your cognitive functioning. Therefore, Rohypnol must only be administered as suggested by a medical practitioner.
Combining Rohypnol with other drugs or alcohol has a significant potential to cause chain reactions that further increases the likelihood of overdoses or death.
What does Rohypnol do?
Rohypnol connects to benzodiazepine receptors in your brain and nervous system. This stimulates the activity of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This can produce a deactivated effect. Flunitrazepam is a central nervous system depressant and it can be prescribed for it’s sedative effect.
As the function of Rohypnol suppresses your central nervous system and you are able to enter a more relaxed state of being. This relaxation becomes the primary draw factor for people that live in untreated or constant states of stress or anxiety inside their life that are the root cause of insomnia, anaesthetic conditions.
It will not take the mind long to figure out that medications will work for reducing most insomnia, anaesthetic symptoms. This is why many people inadvertently become addicted to Rohypnol even using it as directed by their medical professional. The tolerance to and withdrawal cycle from Flunitrazepam builds itself relatively quickly and in so doing the pressure to increase the recommended dosage.
Rohypnol is used to treat insomnia as an anaesthetic
For many people that struggle with insomnia, the anaesthetic can find short to medium term relief in Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol, Hypnodorm, Hypnor and Insom) prescriptions. In many scenarios, benzodiazepines like Rohypnol are only a short-term solution that ought to be employed alongside psychotherapy and lifestyle changes to address the underlying causes of insomnia, anaesthetic symptoms. This may include more sustainable alterations to your sleep, mental health and diet.
Rohypnol is taken orally in a tablet or suspension form. Many modern benzodiazepines come in two formats, short-release and long-release. Generally, Rohypnol will remain in your system for around 10 days or five “half-lives” to metabolise Flunitrazepam from the body. Short-acting benzodiazepines have a short half-life meaning that they are processed more quickly and leave your body more quickly. Conversely, long-acting benzodiazepines take longer to be metabolised by the body.
Rohypnol Withdrawal and Detox
Even when used as prescribed, Rohypnol may cause psychological or physical dependence/addiction. Once the addiction cycle develops, your body adapts and you will need to keep taking Rohypnol to prevent the withdrawal symptoms. Rohypnol can have a potentially dangerous withdrawal so you should never try to go “cold turkey” and should seek the advice of a professional before attempting to withdrawal from Rohypnol. Depending on how much Rohypnol you are on, an abrupt withdrawal can spark a seizure, coma, and other potentially fatal scenarios.
Johannesburg’s leading mental wellness centre
Recovery Direct Rehab (South Africa) is a market-leading exclusive treatment centre that uses specialised talk therapy in a highly confidential and exclusive care environment. Treatment for the withdrawal of benzodiazepines like Flunitrazepam may require specialised care. The underlying drivers of many addictive behaviours can be traced back to psychological events in your life. Our therapists help by understanding your unique needs and then helping you to find the right tools to move forward from where you are now to where you want to be.
