Undeclared Drug Found In Sleeping Pill
Health Canada is advising consumers not to use a product called Eden Herbal Formulations Serenity Pills II because it contains the undeclared drug estazolam, which can be habit-forming when used for as little as a few months. Consumers who may still have this product in their homes are advised to consult with a health care professional before they stop taking the pills, because of the risk of withdrawal symptoms. Eden Herbal Formulations Serenity Pills II is promoted as a herbal product to relieve sleeping difficulty.
Estazolam belongs in the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, which should only be prescribed by a health care professional. The side-effects associated with the use of products containing estazolam vary according to the individual and can include dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, depression, loss of memory and hallucinations.
Health Canada has issued three advisories on similar products since August 2006. Salt Spring Herbals Sleep Well Dietary Supplement, Sleepees and Eden Herbal Formulations Sleep Ease Dietary Supplement were also advertised as herbal health products to relieve sleeping difficulty, and were found to contain the undeclared drug estazolam.
Eden Herbal Formulations Serenity Pills II were distributed by the Evergreen Acupuncture Clinic in Calgary, Alberta. The clinic has stopped sale of this product, however consumers may still have the product in their homes.
Consumers who have purchased the product should return it to the place of purchase. To date, no adverse reactions suspected to be associated with the use of Eden Herbal Formulations Serenity Pills II have been reported in Canada.
This is scary stuff. Those who may be using the Serenity Pills are probably addicted and don’t even know it. It’s always a wise choice to use drug-free formulas when taking OTC medications. SleepSmart is 100% drug free.
