Flunitrazepam , also known as
Rohypnol among others, is an intermediate acting
benzodiazepine used as an
hypnotic,
sedative,
anticonvulsant,
anxiolytic, and
skeletal muscle relaxant drug. In general, the prescription of flunitrazepam as a hypnotic is intended to be for short-term treatment of chronic or severe insomniacs not responsive to other hypnotics, especially in
inpatients. It is considered to be one of the most effective benzodiazepine hypnotics on a dose basis. Just as with other hypnotics, flunitrazepam should be strictly used only on a short-term basis or in those with chronic insomnia on an occasional basis. It is also known and produced from common precursors to 1,4-benzophenones, in 1963. Flunitrazepam has been referred to as a
date rape drug even though its incidence is very rare in cases that have been reported.