Flunitrazepam

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Flunitrazepam (pronounced: flu-ni-traz-uh-pam) is a potent hypnotic, sedative, anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, amnestic, and skeletal muscle relaxant drug. It is a benzodiazepine derivative and is marketed under various brand names around the world, most notably as Rohypnol.

Etymology

The term "Flunitrazepam" is derived from the systematic (IUPAC) name "5-(2-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-7-nitro-3H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one". The prefix "Flu-" comes from "fluorophenyl", the "-nitra-" from "nitro", and "-zepam" is a common suffix for benzodiazepine drugs.

Pharmacology

Flunitrazepam is classified as a nitro-benzodiazepine. It works by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA_A receptor, resulting in sedative, sleep-inducing, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties.

Medical Uses

Flunitrazepam is primarily used in the short-term treatment of insomnia. It can also be used for surgical procedures and in the treatment of acute seizures, and is used in the treatment of severe cases of sleep disorders.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Flunitrazepam include drowsiness, impaired coordination, dizziness, and loss of balance. It can also cause anterograde amnesia, which is a loss of ability to create new memories after the event that caused the amnesia.

Legal Status

In many countries, Flunitrazepam is a controlled substance and its distribution is strictly regulated. It is often associated with date rape due to its high potency and ability to cause strong amnesia.

See Also

External links

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