Clinical findings after ingestion or injection include:
(1) CNS depression with sedation and drowsiness
(2) anxiolysis
(3) muscle relaxation
(4) impaired memory or amnesia of events
(5) hypotension
(6) visual disturbances
(7) dizziness
(8) confusion
(9) gastrointestinal distress
(10) urinary retention
Long term use can result in chemical dependence and a benzodiazepine withdrawal reaction upon discontinuation.
It has been used for sexual assault by perverts since:
(1) it can be easily slipped into a person's drink
(2) it makes the victim easy to assault
(3) it causes amnesia for events
(4) it makes the victim confused the next day
Flunitrazepam is not detected by most routine benzodiazepine immunoassays. The parent drug and key metabolites (7-aminoflunitrazepam, norflunitrazepam) are measured using a specific assay. Plasma is positive for up to 24 hours after ingestion, while urine may be positive for the metabolites for several days.
