Drug Facts for Africans: Flunitrazepam

By: Grace Chukwuekwu. B.MLS. Health Writer. Medially reviewed by: Dr. A Biakolo, MBBS.

Flunitrazepam  tablets from a bottle poured onto a dispensing tray. Image credit: DEA

Drug name: Flunitrazepam

Common Brands: Rohypnol (USA). It may be marketed under different brand names in other countries where approved for medical use.

Drug class: Benzodiazepine

Dosage forms:

• Flunitrazepam comes as a tablet that you take by mouth.
• Its color may vary: some tablets are grey-green, while others may be white or green with blue speckles.
• These differences in appearance are due to different manufacturers and anti-abuse measures.

Flunitrazepam is not approved for medical use in the United States [1]. In many countries, including several African nations, flunitrazepam is banned or tightly controlled, although it may still appear in some national drug formularies for limited medical use. Despite these restrictions, the drug is often misused, especially among teenagers and young adults at parties, bars, nightclubs, and concerts, which poses significant public-health risks.

Want to learn more about Flunitrazepam? This drug fact guide is here to help you understand what it is, how it works, and why it can be dangerous when misused.

What is Flunitrazepam?

Flunitrazepam is a medicine that slows down the brain and nervous system. It belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines [2], which are known for their calming and sleep-inducing effects.

What is flunitrazepam used for?

In medical settings, flunitrazepam has been used for:

• Short-term treatment of severe insomnia 
• Pre-medication before surgery
• Induction of anaesthesia

However, due to safety concerns such as dependence, memory loss, and misuse, many countries no longer recommend it for routine treatment of insomnia. When it is used, it is usually reserved for limited situations under close medical supervision.

In non-medical settings, flunitrazepam is widely known for its illegal misuse. It has been used to sedate people without their knowledge, especially when secretly added to drinks because it can cause deep sleep and memory loss, victims may not remember what happened to them, which is why it is often referred to as a “date-rape drug.”

If you or someone you know suspects being drugged, seek medical care and support services immediately.

How does Flunitrazepam work?

Flunitrazepam works by enhancing the effect of a calming chemical (Gamma amino butyric acid, GABA A) in the brain. This slows down brain activity and leads to:

• Strong sleepiness
• Relaxed muscles
• Reduced anxiety
• Slower reactions and movements
• Memory loss (amnesia) for events that happen after taking the drug

The effects of flunitrazepam often begin within about 15–30 minutes after taking it and may last for several hours, with some residual effects continuing for longer, depending on the dose and formulation used.

Flunitrazepam is more potent than Diazepam (Valium) on a milligram-to-milligram basis, meaning that smaller doses can produce stronger sedative and memory-blocking effects.

How to take Flunitrazepam?

Flunitrazepam should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor. It is taken just before going to bed. Its use in treatment usually starts with the lowest dose. The usual adult dose is 0.5 to 1 mg per day while in rare cases, the dose may be increased to 2 mg [3].

Treatment should be short-term, often lasting a few days to no more than 2–4 weeks, including gradual dose reduction.

Special care is needed for:

• Older adults
• People with kidney, liver, or breathing problems, who may need lower doses

Flunitrazepam is not for children.

Outside medical use, Flunitrazepam has been reported to be crushed, snorted, or mixed into liquids [4]. These methods are associated with abuse and serious harm and should never be attempted.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Flunitrazepam?

If you miss a dose of flunitrazepam, do not double the next dose to make up for it because this medicine can cause strong sedation, taking extra doses can be dangerous.

If you are unsure what to do, wait until the next scheduled dose and take it as prescribed. Sudden changes in dose should be avoided, especially after long-term use.

What are the side effects of Flunitrazepam?

• Daytime tiredness 
• Headaches
• Poor concentration
• Muscle weakness
• Blurred vision

What are the adverse effects of Flunitrazepam?

• Memory loss (forgetting events after taking the drug)
• Confusion and emotional changes
• Worsening depression
• Agitation, aggression, hallucinations, nightmares, or inappropriate behavior (more common in the elderly)
• Slow breathing and low blood pressure
• Rarely, heart failure or cardiac arrest

What should be avoided when using Flunitrazepam?

• Alcohol: Combining alcohol with Flunitrazepam can cause dangerous sedation, breathing problems, coma, or death.
• Other sedatives: Other medicines that make you sleepy, unless approved by a doctor.
• Driving or operating machines: The medication can impair alertness and coordination.
• Prolonged use: Long-term use of flunitrazepam can lead to physical and psychological dependence, especially with higher doses or prolonged use.
• Stopping the drug suddenly: This may cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, tremors, muscle pain, and headaches. In severe cases, hallucinations or seizures can occur [5]. For this reason, the dose should be reduced gradually under medical supervision.

Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding as well as if you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse.

What other drugs inter-react with Flunitrazepam?

Drugs and other products that interact with flunitrazepam may make its effect stronger and more dangerous; so caution is required. These include:

• CNS and breathing depressants: opioids, sedatives, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anti-epileptics, anesthetics, sedating antihistamines

• Drugs that increase flunitrazepam levels in blood: Certain antifungals, antibiotics, HIV medications, statins, cimetidine, verapamil, gemfibrozil, nefazodone.

• Grapefruit juice

What if I overdose on Flunitrazepam?

An overdose can be life-threatening, especially if combined with alcohol or opioid.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• Extreme sleepiness 
• Poor coordination
• Slow heart rate
• Very slow breathing
• Low blood pressure
• Coma or death

Emergency medical help should be sought immediately if an overdose is suspected.

How to store Flunitrazepam

This medicine does not need any special storage conditions. Simply keep it in its original packaging and store it safely.

Do not use flunitrazepam after the expiry date printed on the pack. Using expired medicine may be unsafe and less effective.

Final thoughts 

Flunitrazepam is a medicine that can help with short-term sleep problems under careful medical supervision. It works by calming the brain, helping you sleep, relaxing muscles, and reducing anxiety. However, it is much stronger than other sleep medicines and can cause memory loss, confusion, and slowed breathing.

Because of these effects, flunitrazepam can be dangerous if misused, especially when combined with alcohol or other sedatives. Misuse can lead to serious harm, including overdose, dependence, or even life-threatening situations.

Always take flunitrazepam exactly as prescribed, follow dosing instructions carefully, and never share it with anyone. Be aware of potential side effects and drug interactions, and avoid driving or using machines while taking the medication.

Never underestimate the risk of misuse of flunitrazepam. Store it safely, check the expiry date, and seek help immediately if an overdose occurs.

References: 

1. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Drug Fact Sheet, Rohypnol? [Internet]. DEA; 2024 Dec. [Cited 2026 Jan 13]. Available from here. (PDF)

2. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam) [Internet, n.d.]. DEA; [Cited 2026 Jan 13]. Available from here.

3. National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Rohypnol® (Flunitrazepam) 1 mg: Summary of Product Characteristics [Internet]. NAFDAC; 2025 Feb [Cited 2026 Jan 13]. Available from here. (PDF)

4. National Drug Intelligence Center. Flunitrazepam Fast Facts [Internet]. U.S. Department of Justice; 2003 [Cited 2026 Jan 13]. Available from here.

5. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); Office of the Surgeon General (US). Rohypnol® (Flunitrazepam) [Table]. In: Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report [Internet]. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2016 [cited 2026 Jan 13]. Available from here.

Related resources: 

Drug Facts for Africans: Diazepam

Drug Facts for Africans: Tramadol

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Published: February 11, 2026

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