Rape Drugs Fact Sheet 

aka roofies, date rape drug, rope, rib, roche-2, rophies, ruffies, roopies, Mexican valium

Action: central nervous system depressant (benzodiazepine); in some countries used as a sleeping pill

Effects: effects felt within 30 minutes & are fairly long-acting
about 10 times more potent than Valium®

Form: pill (looks like aspirin)

Legal issues: illegal to manufacture & not approved for medical use in USA & Canada

Negative effects: impaired judgement & motor skills, drowsiness, confusion,intoxication, disinhibition, dizziness, gastrointestinal upset, urinary retention, amnesia, blackouts lasting 8-24 hours when combined with alcohol

In cases of overdose vomiting should be induced if patient is conscious. An antidote is available.

aka GHB, GBH, grievous bodily harm, date rape drug, georgia home boy, easy lay, organic quaalude

Action: central nervous system depressant; in some countries used as an anaesthetic

Form: liquid or powder

Legal issues: manufacture & sale prohibited

Negative effects: stupor, coma, vomiting, respiratory depression, amnesia, hypotonia, anesthesia, death

There is no antidote for overdose. Treatment is non-specific supportive care.

Important Note: In the case of suspicion of overdose of either of these drugs, an ambulance should be called immediately. Non-medical personnel should never give more drugs to attempt to counteract the effects. Note also that combining any CNS depressants (for example, alcohol & these drugs) reduces safety margins due to enhanced CNS depression resulting in possible death from respiratory failure.

Drug Dependency Services, Central Region, 1999