Monday, September 27, 2010

Drug Interactions: ROHYPNOL

As we all know, some drugs cannot be taken together. We are pretty careful not to mix these, but what if your drink is spiked and you are taking a prescribed drug which may interact with the spike drug? You're best to find out what the interactions are, and see if your medications are on that list. Get yourself to an A&E if you suspect any sort of interaction, as you can't be sure what drug was used to spike your drink until a blood or urine test has been taken. Don't waste time wondering whether the drugs will interact, seek medical attention immediately.

ROHYPNOL INTERACTIONS
Enhancement of the central depressive effect may occur if Rohypnol is combined with centrally-acting drugs such as neuroleptics, tranquillisers, antidepressants, hypnotics, analgesics and anaesthetics, anti-epileptics and sedative anti-histamines. In the case of narcotic analgesics, enhancement of the euphoria may also occur leading to an increase in psychic drug dependence. The elderly require special supervision.
Enhanced effects on sedation, respiration and haemodynamics may occur when Rohypnol is co-administered with any centrally acting depressants, including alcohol.
Alcohol should be avoided in patients receiving Rohypnol
When Rohypnol is used in conjunction with anti-epileptic drugs, side-effects and toxicity may be more evident, particularly with hydantoins or barbiturates or combinations including them. This requires extra care in adjusting dosage in the initial stages of treatment.
Known inhibitors of hepatic enzymes, e.g. cimetidine, have been shown to reduce the clearance of benzodiazepines and may potentiate their action, and known inducers of hepatic enzymes, e.g. rifampicin, may increase the clearance of benzodiazepines.

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