Seven people have been taken to hospital after taking the sleeping pill Zopiclone, raising concerns it may have been contaminated.
Cleveland Police said they received reports on Friday that adults had been taken to North Tees General Hospital in Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham.
Police are also investigating the death of one man who is believed to have taken Zopiclone.
“Officers are warning drug users about potentially contaminated drugs which could cause serious illness or lead to overdose,” the force said.
“Police are also investigating the death of one man who is believed to have taken Zopiclone.”
“Investigations are ongoing and we urge anyone with any information or concerns about drugs in the area to call Cleveland Police on 101.”
Typically used to treat insomnia, Zopiclone takes about an hour to take effect and helps users fall asleep faster and avoid waking up during the night.
This medication is usually taken as a tablet, but your doctor may also prescribe it in liquid form.
According to the NHS website, it stimulates the release of a calming chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
The NHS warns against drinking alcohol after taking the drug because it can cause “a deep sleep that can be difficult to wake up from”.
According to the NHS, zopiclone can only be prescribed for two to four weeks because users may become dependent on it and its effectiveness decreases as the body becomes accustomed to it.
