Journal Published Online: 01 September 2002
Volume 47, Issue 5

The Behavioral and Cognitive Effects of Two Benzodiazepines Associated with Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Recently, sexual assaults have included the use of benzodiazepines to impair the victim. Our aim was to examine the physiological, cognitive, and behavioral effects of flunitrazepam (FN) and clonazepam (CLO). In the first study, ten healthy volunteers received a single oral dose of 2 mg of FN. Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), behavioral reports and staff observations were then collected. In the second study, ten healthy volunteers received a single oral dose of 3 mg of CLO. Vitals signs, performance on the MMSE and Digit Symbol Substitution Test, and behavioral changes were examined. FN significantly decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure 4 h post drug ingestion with diastolic remaining low at 6 h. CLO was associated with changes in temperature and decreased systolic pressure. FN affected memory and attention 4 h following ingestion. CLO affected memory and attention throughout the study (6 h), and psychomotor performance was decreased 2 h post ingestion. In both studies, subjects were disinhibited and did not perceive their own impairment.

Author Information

Dowd, SM
College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
Strong, MJ
College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
Janicak, PG
College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
Negrusz, A
College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)
Pages: 7
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS15522J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS15522J