How Long Does Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam) Stay In Your System

Medically reviewed by

Isaac Alexis, M.D., AAMA, AMP-BC

May 21, 2019

Rohypnol, also known as the ‘roofie’ drug, is a strong sedative that can have intense effects taken on its own and mixed with other substances. Unlike many other prescription sedatives, Rohypnol is no longer approved for medical use in the United States.

On a chemical level, Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) is very similar to drugs like Xanax and Valium. All three fall within the category of benzodiazepine drugs, which are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders.

Like some other prescription drugs, Rohypnol may be abused for its euphoric effects. Taking Rohypnol can provide a relaxing sensation and enhance a person’s experience of sights and sounds.

Rohypnol is also known as the ‘date-rape drug.’ Mixed with alcohol, Rohypnol can incapacitate a person and cause blackouts, weakness, and memory loss.

The amount of time Rohypnol remains in a person’s system can vary depending on the dose taken and other factors. Several urine, blood, and hair drug testing methods may be used to detect Rohypnol in a person’s system days after their last use.

Detection Times: How Long Do Roofies Stay In Your System?

Roofies are fast-acting, typically producing effects within 15 to 20 minutes. These effects can last up to 12 hours. After the effects have worn off, traces of the drug will still remain in a person’s body.

Under most circumstances, Rohypnol may remain in a person’s system for three to five days. This can vary from person to person.

Several factors, including the dosage, can affect the amount of time it remains detectable. Drug detection times for Rohypnol can also vary depending on the type of drug test that is used.

Rohypnol Drug Testing Methods

There are several different testing methods that can be used to detect Rohypnol in a person’s body. These can differ in their sensitivity and effectiveness. They also have different windows for how long they are capable of detecting drug use.

The most common types of drug tests and their detection times:

• Urine: Urine tests are the most common method for detecting drug use. In general, Rohypnol can be detected in urine for up to five days. High doses may remain detectable for up to 10 days.
• Blood: Rohypnol may be detected in the bloodstream for up to 24 hours.
• Hair: Hair follicle tests are able to detect drugs in a person’s system longer than urine and blood tests. After taking Rohypnol, a hair test may be able to detect the drug for up to 30 days after use.

Detection of Rohypnol in the body has been of special interest to researchers, in part because of its use to commit acts of sexual assault. People who have been ‘roofied’ may not seek help right away. Being drugged with Rohypnol can be a traumatic experience, and many people also feel disoriented, confused, or scared after the effects have worn off.

Delays in drug testing following drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) can affect the ability of tests to confirm traces of Rohypnol in someone’s body. This poses a problem when investigating incidents of DFSA.

Finding sensitive tests that are effective for late samples has been an important aim in drug testing research.

Factors That Can Influence Roofie Detection Time

Detection times for Rohypnol can differ for each person depending on several personal and biological factors, including:

• dose
• age
• body mass index (BMI)
• polysubstance abuse
• frequency and duration of use

Dose

The dosage of a drug can affect how quickly it is eliminated from a person’s body. Low doses of Rohypnol are more likely to move through a person’s system faster. Taking large or multiple doses of Rohypnol may result in a longer elimination process.

Age

Drug detection times are in part dependent on the drug’s half-life and the metabolism of the person taking it. Human metabolism tends to slow as people age. Older adults may, therefore, process drugs more slowly, resulting in a longer detection time. A slower metabolism can also affect the intensity of roofie effects.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Low or high doses of Rohypnol can have greater or less powerful effects on a person depending on their body size. A common measure for body size is the body mass index. Body mass index (BMI) is a ratio that takes into account a person’s height and weight.

People with a lower BMI may have a longer drug detection time, depending on the dose taken. People in larger bodies, on the other hand, may metabolize the drug quicker.

Polysubstance Abuse

Mixing Rohypnol with other drugs can result in a longer detection time, as the body is tasked with processing multiple drugs at once. Although tests will still be able to detect Rohypnol when there are other drugs in a person’s system, it may metabolize at a different speed.

Frequency And Duration Of Use

How often and how long a person has been using Rohypnol can affect how long it takes for it to leave a person’s body. People who become dependent on Rohypnol and take it on a daily basis can have detectable traces longer than people who use it once This can also apply for people who regularly take large doses.

Getting Help For Rohypnol Abuse And Addiction

Rohypnol abuse can pose dangerous short and long-term risks to a person’s health. This includes addiction, which can impact all areas of a person’s life. Once a person has become addicted, it can become difficult or scary to think of life without the drug.

Treatment for Rohypnol abuse provides an opportunity for people to take their life back. Overcoming addiction is not a quick process, but it is possible. The first step in treating Rohypnol addiction will most often require entering into a detoxification (detox) program.

After detox, formal treatment within an inpatient rehab program is commonly recommended. This provides an opportunity for patients to receive comprehensive care capable of treating both the mind and body through therapy and other treatment services.

If you or a loved one are struggling with Rohypnol abuse, treatment is available. Contact us today to learn more about Rohypnol abuse and to find treatment options.