Date Rape Drugs: Clonazepam

Clonazepam (benzodiazepine) is in the same drug family as Rohypnol and produces the same sedative effects. It is marketed by F. Hoffman-La Roche (makers of Rohypnol) under the brand name Klonopin as an antiseizure and antipanic drug.

It is more dangerous in combination with alcohol. Alcohol intensifies the effects of Clonazepam and mixing the two can result in severe damage or death.

It is legal by prescription (unlike Rohypnol, which is illegal to use, possess, or distribute in the United States). Brand names are Klonopin (U.S.) and Rivotril (Australia and Mexico). Street names include Roofies and "the dollar date."

Klonopin (La Roche's brand of Clonazepam) comes in small, colorful pills with K-shaped perforations through the center. Klonopin is available in doses of 0.5 mg (orange), 1 mg (blue), and 2 mg (white). Dosages are marked on the pills. Clonazepam in general may be a pill or a yellow powder.

Aside from its prescription use, Clonazepam is sometimes used to enhance the effects of heroin and other opiates. Clonazepam use in date rape has risen as Rohypnol has become harder to get and easier to detect in drinks. Pills are available on the black market for as little as $1 each.

Clonazepam may take effect more slowly than Rohypnol and other date rape drugs. Blood levels of Clonazepam are highest between 1 and 4 hours after ingestion. Alcohol intensifies the effects of Clonazepam and mixing the two can result in severe damage or death.

Clonazepam can make you:
Disoriented · Aggressive · Nervous · Lose your judgment · Incoherent · Lose your inhibitions · Nauseous · Dizzy · Drowsy · Lose consciousness · Have amnesia · Hallucinate · Struggle to breathe · Enter a coma · Die.

What To Do If You've Been Drugged

For Family and Friends of Victims/Survivors

Common Feelings After Being Sexually Assaulted

Recovering from Sexual Assault is a Process

For Male Victims of Sexual Assault

What to Do after a Sexual Assault

Alcohol and Drug-facilitated Sexual Assault

Resources for Victims of Sexual Assault, Dating/Domestic Violence, or Stalking

Student Success Comments & Questions

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After an Assault (Rape Crisis Center)

Rape Crisis Center

Domestic Abuse Intervention Services

UW Police Department

Madison Police Department

National Sexual Violence Resource Center

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Office of the Dean of Students/Student Advocacy and Judicial Affairs

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)

Student Success Comments & Questions