Police issue warning after seven hospitalized due to suspected contaminated drugs.
The adults admitted to the hospital on Friday had all taken Zopiclone, a medication used to treat severe insomnia.
Seven people have been taken to the hospital after consuming the sleeping medication Zopiclone, raising concerns about a potential contaminated batch.
Cleveland Police received reports on Friday about the adults being taken to North Tees General Hospital in Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham.
The police are also investigating the death of a man who is believed to have taken Zopiclone.
The authorities stated, “Officers are cautioning drug users about a potentially tainted batch that could result in severe illness or overdose.”
Zopiclone is typically used to help individuals fall asleep faster and stay asleep through the night, usually taking effect within an hour.
The drug is commonly administered in tablet form, although it can also be prescribed as a liquid by doctors.
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It activates a calming neurotransmitter in the brain known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), as per information from the NHS website.
The NHS advises against consuming alcohol after taking the medication as it can result in a deep sleep from which waking up becomes challenging.
According to the NHS, users can develop a dependency on Zopiclone, and it is typically prescribed for a duration of two to four weeks as its efficacy diminishes with prolonged use.
