Seven people treated in UK hospital after taking sleep medication zopiclone

Seven people have been taken to hospital after taking the sleeping medication zopiclone, prompting concerns over a “potentially contaminated batch”.

Cleveland police said it had received reports on Friday of the adults being taken to North Tees General hospital in Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham.

The force is also investigating the death of one man thought to have taken zopiclone.

The force said: “Officers are warning drug users of a potentially contaminated batch which could cause significant illness or lead to an overdose.

“Officers are also investigating the death of one man who is believed to have taken zopiclone.

“Inquiries are ongoing and anyone who has information, or concerns about drugs in the community, is urged to call Cleveland police on 101.”

Zopiclone, usually used to treat insomnia, takes about an hour to work and helps users to fall asleep faster and stop waking in the night.

The drug is usually taken as a tablet but doctors can order it in liquid form.

It triggers a calming chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), according to the NHS website.

The NHS warns against drinking alcohol after taking the drug because it can induce a “deep sleep where you find it difficult to wake up”.

Users can become dependent on zopiclone, the NHS say, and it is prescribed for just two to four weeks because it becomes less effective as the body gets used to it.