They are manufactured in Mexico. They are smuggled into the U.S. where they have recently become a problem among American teens. They are round, white and slightly smaller than an aspirin. The manufacture's marking are similar to those found on other pills, including Rivotril and Valium. The first reports of Rohypnol abuse in the U.S. were in 1993 in southern Florida, since then cases have been reported in 32 states and Puerto Rico.
Continued use can result in addiction.
Adverse effects can include loss of memory, impaired judgment, dizziness, and prolonged periods of blackout. Although a sedative, Rohypnol can induce aggressive behavior. This drug has been associated with date rape. Several arrests have been made in cases where it has allegedly been added to a woman's drink without her knowledge, for the purpose of reducing resistance. Recently the manufactures have added a blue dye to the tablet causing it to give off a blue coloring when dissolved in liquid.