A caution has been issued by a law enforcement agency regarding a potentially tainted supply of medications that has resulted in the hospitalization of seven individuals.
All seven individuals are reportedly experiencing the impacts of Zopiclone, a sedative used to manage severe cases of insomnia.
The victims, all adults, have been admitted to North Tees General Hospital as per Cleveland Police.
An inquiry is ongoing into the demise of an individual who is presumed to have ingested Zopiclone.
The agency is now cautioning drug consumers about the possibly polluted batch, which they assert could lead to significant health issues or possibly a drug overdose.
Zopiclone is a short-term remedy for insomnia and is usually prescribed for a period of 2 to 4 weeks.
This is due to the body swiftly developing a tolerance to the drug, resulting in decreased efficacy, as well as the potential for dependency, according to the NHS.
It is classified as a controlled prescription medicine under class C, but it has the potential to be habit-forming.
Typically administered in tablet form, the drug can also be prescribed in a liquid state, activating a tranquilizing neurotransmitter in the brain known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Although it is among the most frequently prescribed drugs for sleep disorders by the NHS, it is notorious for being misused and can lead to severe health complications.
Recovery Lighthouse, a UK charity, reports that up to 8% of the British population has struggled with addictions to sleeping pills.
Common adverse effects include an odd metallic taste in the mouth, dry mouth, and daytime drowsiness.
Combining Zopiclone with alcohol can produce a deep, difficult-to-awaken sleep state.
Any individual possessing information about the potentially tainted drug batch is urged to reach out to Cleveland Police or Crimestoppers anonymously.
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