APA Dictionary of Psychology

n. a benzodiazepine that is legally prescribed in some countries (but not the United States) for the short-term treatment of insomnia and as a preanesthetic medication. It is also used as a drug of abuse for its sedating and disinhibiting effects. When combined with alcohol, like many other CNS depressants, it can cause serious problems (see date-rape drug). Also known colloquially as roofie. Trade name: Rohypnol.