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Related Experiment Videos

Flunitrazepam and its involvement in date or acquaintance rape

D Anglin1, K L Spears, H R Hutson

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, USC Medical Center, Los Angeles 90033, USA. anglin@hsc.usc.edu

Academic Emergency Medicine : Official Journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
|April 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary

Date rape drug flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless substance causing drowsiness and amnesia. Suspect flunitrazepam ingestion in sexual assault victims with intoxication or memory loss; test urine for metabolites.

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Toxicology
  • Pharmacology
  • Victimology

Background:

  • Date or acquaintance rapes constitute approximately 75% of all rapes.
  • Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol), a benzodiazepine, is increasingly used illegally as a
  • date rape drug
  • .
  • The drug is colorless, odorless, and tasteless when dissolved, making it difficult to detect.
  • .

Purpose of the Study:

  • To raise awareness among healthcare providers regarding the clandestine use of flunitrazepam in sexual assaults.
  • To outline diagnostic and testing protocols for suspected flunitrazepam ingestion.
  • To inform about resources for definitive drug testing.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical observation of symptoms such as drowsiness, impaired motor skills, and anterograde amnesia.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Urine specimen analysis for flunitrazepam metabolites using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.
  • Contacting the manufacturer, Hoffmann-La Roche, for specialized testing if local labs are unable.

    • Main Results:

    • Flunitrazepam ingestion can lead to significant anterograde amnesia, hindering victim recall of assault details.
    • Standard rape protocols should be augmented with specific toxicological screening.
    • Manufacturer offers no-cost testing services for healthcare providers and law enforcement.

    Conclusions:

    • Healthcare providers should suspect flunitrazepam in sexual assault cases presenting with intoxication or amnesia.
    • Prompt urine analysis is crucial for identifying flunitrazepam exposure.
    • Collaborative efforts are underway to combat the abuse of flunitrazepam in date rape scenarios.