I was the unfortunate recipient of a date rape drug. My husband placed an order for a glass of wine and a beer in the bottle. He then went over to the ATM to get money to pay the bartender. We believe that was when the drug was slipped into my drink. Fortunately, I was with my husband and he was able to help me when I began to lose control. I remember feeling euphoric for the first 20 minutes or so. Then my head began to whirl and my speech was slurred. After that, I remember very little of the evening until I began vomiting once I returned home. I don't recall walking the 1/2 mile home and have no memory of falling and become badly bruised on my legs. The following day, I was wiped out and had a headache.

I have not felt like myself since being drugged. I have a foggy-headed feeling that comes and goes. My memory has worsened....forgetting names, forgetting the steps involved in routine tasks, having difficulty concentrating, etc. I've had strange, vivid dreams and tire easily though I've had plenty of sleep. I think I may be depressed too. Since all date rape drugs are generally out of one's system within 48 hours, I'm wondering what's going on. Did something happen during the evening (or as I slept) on the day of the drugging. Stroke, seizure, etc.??? Or are these the symptoms of menopause that have just coincidentally appeared after my experience? I would like to feel like myself again....any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

sorry to hear this did you go to hospital to get checked to make sure you were drugged? I would get checked if you continue to feel bad. I know menopause symptoms and anxiety can make you somewhat feel that way. I hope you feel better and please get check. Terry

Are you certain it was a drug? Did you go to the ER and get yourself checked out???

No, I didn't go to an E.R. I didn't feel well enough at the time. Also, I was camping and a distance from the nearest E.R. Yes, I'm certain I was drugged. Ten minutes after drinking some wine, my husband noticed that I was not acting like myself. I remember feeling very carefree, downright euphoric. My husband noticed that I was behaving out of character. He even asked me, "Aren't you bothered by all the cigarette smoke?" (lots of smokers on the patio). I replied, "Oh no, I was expecting this." Normally, I'd be ranting about the smoke and trying to rush him out of the place. He knew right away that something was wrong. When I returned to our motorhome, I was vomiting for an hour. Then I slept for three hours. I was up for about an hour and then went to bed for the night.

The drug should have cleared your system by now. However, ovaries are very fragile and many things can have a negative impact upon them. ie - drugs, surgical procedures and many seeminly innocent substances, etc... Perhaps the date rape drug pushed you more rapidly into peri. Or, perhaps you may be experiencing normal (although) unpleasant peri stuff related to your cycle. I would still suggest getting checked out.

I'm so sorry to read this...what a horrible experience. IMO you should have went to the hospital and gotten yourself checked out and had blood work done to see if you were drugged. Perhaps they could have done something for you. I hope you feel better soon.

omg, that sounds terriable, what you might have is- ptsd ( post tramatic stress disorder ) im sure that was very tramatic for you !!!! dont get offended but is there any way your husband could of done it ? if any thing i hope others remember this and never ever leave your drink for a minute !!!! are you saying the bartender or some one else? if its the bartender, i would think youd want that to never happen to any one else and confront him.... good luck....

I'D BE HAULING MY BUTT TO THE DOCS FOR SOME BLOODWORK IF I WERE YOU. THANK GOD YOUR HUSBANDS WAS THERE TO PROTECT YOU!

That was my husband suggestion too. NC52315...no, no way did my husband do this. He was so frightened. The stop at the pub was a spontaneous decision. We've been camping at the neighboring campground for 26 years and have never been to this pub before. We were just walking the dogs and thought stopping for a drink would be a nice way to end what had been a fun day. I have a couple of theories about the why it happened. There were many young women at the pub. I think the drink may have been intended for one of them. On the other hand, the pub catered to the locals - definitely had a "Cheers" quality about it. Maybe someone was having a little "fun" with the out-of-towners. My husband has an additional theory. After reading that people use GHB or Rohphenol recreationally, he wondered if the bartender accidentally poured from the "party bottle" normally reserved for locals. I'll never know. I regret not reporting this right away. As I mentioned, I didn't feel well. Also, I was stunned and questionning whether I was really drugged or not. There was a lot of confusion at the time. After a little Internet research, I learned that it was difficult to detect because the drugs are homemade and have variations that make them difficult to test for. In hindsight, I would have gone straight to the ER. BTW, I called an advice nurse last week. She's mandated to report the crime as a sexual assault (apparently there's no other catagory for being drugged w/o sex). So it has now been reported. A sheriff left a message on my machine last night, so I'll fill him in on the details today.

It sux that you won't know if you were really drugged or not.One thing i do know from experience is sometimes during peri we can have adverse/weird reactions to even a small amount of alcohol.....

I'm sorry this happened to you. It must have been been a very frightening experience. If you suspect that a date rape drug was slipped into your drink you should report it to the police. They can then make their own investigations.

Sorry, I missed this The nurse is right -- glad you reported it.

This reminds me of the time when I was studying at uni -- The Police would often attach green stickers to drinks that were left unattended in the bar --- It is so easy to slip a drug into someones drink -- dont leave your drinks anywhere! Take them with you..... I've told my children about date rape drugs and how important it is to be aware of people when they are out.... There are some evil people out there...

I am so sorry this has happened to you. I think this should be reported to the pub so that they can be more vigilant. Apparently a company is making date rape strips that test for the presence of ketamine or rohypynol (most common date rape drugs) but independent testing has showed that they are ineffective. This is disturbing because it could lure someone into a false sense of security and cause them to consume a drink that has been tampered with.

I am sorry that you are feeling so badly. You really should see a DR. and have yourself checked out. At this point you have no way of knowing whether or not you were actually drugged and you're working on pure speculation. Maybe something else is going on and it can be treated medically.

In any event, I hope you can get some answers. Let us know how you're feeling.

Donna

Good advice from Donna. You really should be checked out to rule out any medical cause.

Many of your symptoms suggest you may have had a small stroke. Please get yourself checked out ASAP. You are making an assumption about being drugged as you were not checked out at an ER.

Take Care and please get some blood work done!

CG

I agree with the others. You are jumping to the conclusion that you were given a drug. Not sure how many people waste (for lack of a better term) a date rape drug on a peri/meno women with a husband in tow at a crowded bar if you get my drift. Not saying it couldn't of happened but that would have been the last thing on my mind if I felt like that! You need to go the hospital ASAP!!!!

Not something to mess around with!! You really should see a dr.

Just checking in to see how you're feeling today. Did you decide to seek medical treatment? I am hoping you are feeling better.

Smarty

Thanks for asking. Actually, today is the first day that I've felt normal. Still a little tired, but not confursed and foggy headed. Several people thought I should have sought treatment. I think I mentioned that I spoke to the advice nurse, but I failed to mention that she notified my doctor who gave telephoned to discuss my symptoms and to make certain I wasn't seriously harmed. I'm on a low-dose antidepressant and my doctor thought I needed to up the dose. She felt that my symptoms were coincidental to the drugging. She said that our bodies often develop a tolerance after awhile, so the dosage needs to be increased. I have been taking the increased dosage for a couple of weeks now. Perhaps it kicked in today since I'm feeling better. My doctor asked me to let her know how it was working after two weeks. I think I'll have good news to report. I agree with those who thought it would be a good idea to have a blood test, so I'll request that too when I contact her.

For those who wondered if I'd actually been drugged or not....there's not doubt about it in my mind. Shortly after drinking my wine, I was feeling very euphoric, carefree, relaxed, a feeling of all being right with the world. Actually, that part was quite nice. If you look up GHB, Ketamine, and/or Rophenol, you'll find that my symptoms - both good and bad - were classic signs of ingesting either drug. When I mentioned stroke or seizure, I was thinking something like that could have happened since the drugs are very toxic. Mixed with alcohol, they can cause coma and death. I will ask my doctor about getting tested for the possibility of having a stroke especially since they run in my family.

As for why this would happen to someone peri-menopausal in the company of her husband.....I have just a few theories. 1) The individual who drugged the drink thought it was going to one of the young women in the pub. 2) The bar was filled with locals and someone decided to have "fun" with the tourists. Before drinking my wine, I remember one fellow in the bar bragging about how he took financial advantage of the people whose vacation homes he cared for. 3) Since the drug is used for recreational use....perhaps my wine was mistakenly poured from the bottle reserved for friends/locals looking for some fun. BTW, Evening Primrose....I think it's great that the officers were raising awareness. I'd like to see more of that kind of activity. I've spread the word to all my young female friends and relatives. I recommend everyone else do the same. Better safe than sorry.

This incident has been reported to the police and they have called me. I'm currently playing phone tag with an officer, but I assure, I will follow through with completing this report. Thank you for your concern and suggestions everyone!

I read this post yesterday and couldn't get it off my mind all day. That is so scary!!! I'm so sorry this happened to you.

I know you feel confident that you were drugged but don't you feel the need to be double checked just in case you weren't? Have you read the symptoms of a stroke nearly the same as GBH? I am just worried that you haven't been physically checked. Doctors make mistakes all of the time this site is proof of that! This nurse and doctor did they ask you any other questions about the incident or did they just also assume what you told them about the drug was the case? I think I would go have blood work drawn to be on the safe side but that is just me.

[quote name='O2BSane' date='Aug 10 2009, 09:39 PM' post='303371']


For those who wondered if I'd actually been drugged or not....there's not doubt about it in my mind. Shortly after drinking my wine, I was feeling very euphoric, carefree, relaxed, a feeling of all being right with the world. Actually, that part was quite nice. If you look up GHB, Ketamine, and/or Rophenol, you'll find that my symptoms - both good and bad - were classic signs of ingesting either drug. When I mentioned stroke or seizure, I was thinking something like that could have happened since the drugs are very toxic. Mixed with alcohol, they can cause coma and death. I will ask my doctor about getting tested for the possibility of having a stroke especially since they run in my family.

As for why this would happen to someone peri-menopausal in the company of her husband.....I have just a few theories.

Good morning O2,

First off I'm glad you're starting to feel better. But I'm still troubled because you are self-diagnosing. I know you called the nurse and spoke to the DR, but those were only phone calls----certainly not enough to render an accurrate evaluation of your symptoms.

You yourself admit to having "theories". That's ok, but not good enough. I sense that you are afraid of something and that's understandable, but please go and see a DR and put this to rest.

God bless,
Donna

Please make an appointment with your doctor! I believe that when we offer self-diagnosis to doctors, (which I have been guilty of, due to my cyberchondria!) they then tend to focus on that, and perhaps don't think of other possible causes of your symptoms. You could have been euphoric from the wine.

"Unique Symptoms in Women
It is important to recognize stroke symptoms and act quickly.


Common stroke symptoms seen in both men and women:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg -- especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Women may report unique stroke symptoms:

• sudden face and limb pain
• sudden hiccups
• sudden nausea
• sudden general weakness
• sudden chest pain
• sudden shortness of breath
• sudden palpitations

Take care,
jem

Dear O2B,

Although I responded to you earlier I didn't share what happened to me this past December. While on a small island (Jost Van Dyke) in the BVI I was drugged with a "date rape drug" at an internationally well known bar (Foxys Taboo). I was traveling around the island with another couple in their jeep and we stopped for lunch after visiting the bubbly pool. Within taking 3 sips of my cocktail I remembering feeling euphoric, care free and also losing control. During lunch I sat, ate, drank, all the while blacking in and out of consciousness. I didn't pass out but was unable to communicate with the couple as to what was happening. They had been and continued to drink throughout lunch and didn't really take note of my stumbling to the jeep after them. They just thought I was a "light weight" when it came to alcohol.

The next day I discovered 100.00 missing from my wallet, wine glasses on my veranda and had no memory of the ride home. I tracked down the couple and they filled me in to the following information and had photos. During lunch (which I don't remember paying for), the bartenders friend (name was Hulk) came over, they took pictures of me sitting on his lap, begged me not to leave. The photos show me as happy but if you look at my eyes it is clear that I am drugged. (lights on but no ones home...) After leaving the bar/restaurant we then went to another beach bar restaurant where the couple played sand volleyball while I watched. Then they dropped me off at my cottage, had wine with me and went home. I don't even remember going to bed until I woke up very confused the next morning. It took me about 24 hours to feel "normal" again. I was very frightened and upset that this had happened. I also wanted to know why?

I spoke to a new friend who is a business owner (originally from the US) and he said the island had an issue with "ruffies"/date rape drug use. Seems the locals get bored and decide to have "fun" with the tourists. Doesn't matter if you're single or part of a couple. He also felt they didn't drug the couple due to them driving. The island police and car rental company would have taken more notice of an accident than to a woman being drugged (sad to say huh?). Anyway my friend had the island nurse assess my vitals (but no local hospital was available for further checkup) and I was stable. Upon return home I had a check up with bloodwork but all had cleared my system and I was fine. I just mention this because others have mentioned stroke to you (may be a possibility, who really knows) but wanted to reassure you that one can survive a weird, horrible incident.

My business owner friend spoke to the person who drugged me and also spread the word that I was to be left alone or answer to him. He is not someone they would interfere with so I was safe until leaving Jost Van Dyke. btw - turns out Foxys son had slashed the neck of a minor league baseball player on vacation sometime during the prior year. However, Foxy paid off the police and that son did not go to prison. I didn't know any of this before my own incident and this was my second time on island. But, this time I became a target because I was on island for 2 weeks and the locals do talk amongst themselves. However your incident/drugging also demonstrates that this can happen anywhere/anytime.

I had always taken pride that I traveled the world without incident. But, after being drugged I have changed what and how I order a cocktail anywhere I travel. It was a devastating experience for me but I will not let it change my love of travel. Will I return to JVD? Not anytime soon, but I will eventually return for a limited amount of time. And, I now know what uneducated animals I'm dealing with. My wishes for good health go out to you O2B. Regards, JZZ

This whole thread has me

I've visited JVD before and spent the day at the Soggy Dollar. The thought that this could occur never even entered my mind. Any hints on how to protect from this sort of thing? What a nightmare for you but so glad you are doing well.

Gevalia, thanks for the concern. I really think that Soggy Dollar is the one of three safe places to eat or drink on Jost. The other two are Corsairs (Vinnie will not allow any probs in his rest/bar) and down from Corsairs is a very small hut/bar Abes (very local but safe and Gerti will take care of you there.) Also the Soggy Dollar routinely kicks locals out of the property and the bartenders are safe to deal with. Gertrudes near Soggy Dollars is also safe to drink at too.

In regard to generally protect oneself anywhere I suggest: 1. Not drinking 2. Drinking bottled water, soda, beer, wine or anything that is opened in front of you. 3. Never leave your drink unattended for a second. 4. No pre made mixed drinks, juices, cocktails mixes. Again watch that things are newly opened in front of you. 5. See what others are drinking and try to make an educated choice using above suggestions.

Oh, I should have mentioned in earlier post that the man "Hulk" was not Foxys son (that was Christian who slashed the guys throat) But Hulk is from Tortola and runs day sailing trips for the tourists over to JVD. Kind of glad that this thread was started because these people should be exposed in some way. One of Foxys other sons is a problem too (cant remember his name, fat and in his mid/late 40's) and had raped a woman. He continues to hassle women during the day, on the beach, and anywhere else possible. (Everyone knows him too and locals know hes bad for business.) Again, Foxy paid up and the charges were dismissed.

The island is lovely in a remote undeveloped sort of way. However, as one local said......"the problem is that the family tree is a wreath".....(he meant too much intermarrying.) nuff said.

Tortola and JVD are two of my favorite islands on our last vacation. We were told by the locals on our sail over to JVD to order the Painkiller at the Soggy Dollar. I am glad to hear that they are reputable as I would like to return there in the future. Thanks for the heads up on which bars are considered safe and which to avoid. It is so easy to let your guard down while on vacation. I am sorry you had to experience this-your ordeal serves as a wake-up call to others. I am glad you posted this so that others may take heed.

Daytripping or day sailing into JVD does give you an added layer of protection from the local low life. You're on and off island before they can really focus on you. I was there for almost 2 weeks this past trip, kept to myself - which ended up adding to the locals curiosity about me. Prior trip was only for 3 nights and did not experience problems or become a target.

btw - If you want a great painkiller go over to Great Harbor to A & B Snack Shop (food is good there and very local cuisine/great bargain too) I previously referred to it as Abe's (oops, sorry). AliBaba is also a great place to eat and drink too. Very nice family run place. They do a wonderful (free) breakfast on Christmas morning that is open to locals and tourists. Ivans is also wonderful but he can't seem to keep Foxys son out of the place. Feel free to PM me and sail on.....

Sorry if anyone feels I highjacked this thread. Didn't mean to but hope to help 02B and warn others that it can happen to anyone (no matter the age or place.) Best wishes to all. JZZ

Hi I am here again to tell you that euphoria can be part of a stroke in the left hemisphere of the brain. It is documented in medical literature. Please get yourself checked-out immediately. The fact that strokes run in your family puts you at high risk.

In concern!
CG

I'm contacting my doctor now.

My doc has contacted radiology. They're going to call me to set up a CT scan appointment.

That is good news.. I've avoided commenting here, but I feel very strongly that you need to get checked out. I'm a little surprised nobody called 911...


Hang in there, and let us know how you're doing!!!

I am so glad you are going to have some tests done. Better to be safe than sorry!

I agree totally......

I'm glad you have decided to have yourself checked out. Please let us know how everything goes.

God bless,
Donna

Good Morning O2,

I've been thinking about you. Have you gotten any answers yet?

Take care,

Donna

Thanks Donna! I have a CT scan scheduled for tomorrow. Then I'll meet with my doctor. I'll keep you posted.

I've been wondering about you too. Please keep us posted.

So...how did it go?hope all is well.....

Any answers yet O2? I still thinking about you.

Donna

No answers yet. I'll probably hear the results today.

I hope it all turns out well.....but you still won't know if you were drugged though,right?since it's been so long and wouldn't be in your system now..... and that part is disturbing....

I was just wondering----could you have had heat stroke?

No, I wasn't exerting myself and the weather was nice and cool. Wish I were there right now.

O2BSane,did you get your results from the dr. yet?

No results yet. Though they told me no news is good news. I'm going to write my doc now and see what they hold up is.

The good news....no stroke! The bad news....it looks as though some creep DID drug me. The radiologist's findings are below.

** HISTORY **:
Episode of mental status change.

** FINDINGS **:
Routine noncontrast enhanced head CT is reviewed. Comparison:
None

No acute intracranial hemorrhage, mass, mass effect or midline
shift is identified. Ventricles, sulci, and the cisternal spaces
are within normal limits. Visualized paranasal sinuses and
mastoid air cells are well aerated. No osseous abnormalities.

** IMPRESSION **:
No acute intracranial process.

THANK GOODNESS!!!! I am so glad that you had this checked out. Now you don't have to wonder and worry about some illness. Whoever the jerk was that drugged your drink should be ashamed of himself. What's the matter with people anyway?

Glad you're going to be okay.

Donna