A WHO review concluded that flunitrazepam had a moderate abuse potential that might be higher than that of other benzodiazepines. It was reported that there was current evidence of widespread abuse of flunitrazepam among drug abusers, particularly among those who used opioids or cocaine.

Flunitrazepam is tasteless and odourless and has been misused to incapacitate the victim and produce amnesia in sexual assaults and drug-facilitated rape (‘date rape’). A 1-mg dose may produce impairment for 8 to 12 hours. Some manufacturers have incorporated a blue dye into flunitrazepam tablets to increase visibility when placed into drinks but caution is still necessary as it has been reported that blue tropical drinks and punches are being used to overcome this