Ruffie (or Roofie) is a slang term for a flunitrazepam tablet (Rohypnol® by Roche). Flunitrazepam is a benzodiazepine similar to many on the US market (eg, diazepam, triazolam) that is only available legally in other countries. Flunitrazepam is commonly abused in Europe, Asia, South America, especially Chile, where it is available without a prescription.1 Another name commonly used is Rufinol, but this brand has not been found anywhere in the drug literature. Perhaps over time this name developed from a combination of the street and brand names. No matter what it is called, flunitrazepam has become a popular recreational drug in Florida.
Flunitrazepam's increase in popularity in the US may be due to its easy access from foreign countries and to exposure in media such as Internet news groups and radio talk shows. It is manufactured in tablet and injection forms, and is used in other countries as a hypnotic and for the induction of anesthesia.
Flunitrazepam, like other benzodiazepines, exerts its depressive effect by facilitating the inhibitory effects of the neurotransmitter GABA.2 It rapidly distributes to tissues and is about 10-times as potent as diazepam. The depressive effects last from 8 to 12 hours. The tablets are sometimes crushed and "snorted" to hasten the onset and intensity of the effect. There are anecdotal reports of it being smoked.
Drowsiness, dizziness, ataxia, nightmares, headache, and memory impairment have occurred following the administration of flunitrazepam. Symptoms of overdose include somnolence, confusion, respiratory depression, impaired coordination, slurred speech and seizures. Treatment includes supportive measures, but flumazenil can reverse the sedative effects. While benzodiazepines are not as dangerous in overdose as other sedative/hypnotics, deaths have occurred. Flunitrazepam is commonly abused with alcohol. Taking flunitrazepam with other CNS depressants is extremely dangerous.
