Warning for drug users as ‘contaminated batch’ leaves one man dead

A police force has issued a warning about a potentially contaminated batch of drugs which has put seven people in hospital.

All seven are believed to be suffering the effects of Zopiclone, a sleeping pill which can be used to treat severe insomnia.

Cleveland Police say the victims, all adults, had been taken to North Tees General Hospital.

They’re also investigating the death of one man who is believed to have taken Zopiclone.

The force is now warning drug users about the potentially contaminated batch, which they say could cause significant illness or lead to an overdose.

Zopiclone is a short-term treatment for insomnia, and it’s usually only prescribed for 2-4 weeks.

This is because the body gets used to the drug quickly, meaning it could no longer have the same effect, and you can also become dependent on it, the NHS says.

It’s a class C controlled prescription medication, but it can become addictive.

The drug is usually taken as a tablet but doctors can order it in liquid form, and it triggers a calming chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

While one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for sleeping problems on the NHS, it’s known to be abused and can result in severe health problems.

According to UK charity Recovery Lighthouse, as many as 8% of Brits have had issues with sleeping pill addictions.

Common side effects include a metallic taste in your mouth, a dry mouth, and feeling sleepy during the daytime.

Drinking alcohol while taking Zopiclone can lead to falling into a deep sleep which is difficult to wake up from.

Anyone with information on the potentially contaminated batch of drugs is being asked to contact Cleveland Police or Crimestoppers anonymously.

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