Rohypnol, the date rape drug.

QUICK FACTS: Rohypnol, known as “roofies” and roaches,” is a sedative-hypnotic drug. Increasing dosages produces signs of progressive central nervous system depression ranging from sedation to sleep. Chronic use of high doses leads to the development of tolerance, but a level of intoxication can always be reached if the dose is high enough. Chronic use of large doses also leads to physical dependence and withdrawal if usage is abruptly stopped. Withdrawal symptoms can be lessened to a certain extent if a drug from another class of sedatives is substituted. When drugs from this class are taken together, one sees a far greater central nervous system depressant effect than otherwise would be expected, especially with alcohol. This is called “synergism.” Overdose will cause mental clouding, loss of muscular coordination, and eventually respiratory arrest.