Sudbury's Community Drug Strategy (CDS) has received local reports of an increase in benzodiazepines, also known as benzos.
As a result CDS has issued a public warning since the use of benzos, if mixed with an opioid, can increase the risk of overdose and death, said the CDS.
The warning said benzodiazepines are powerful sedatives known by several brand names such as Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Clonazepam, and Zylazine.
The news release said benzo toxicity or an overdose may last for hours and appear as extreme sleepiness or passing out, poor balance and movement control, slurred speech, blackouts and memory loss. Also, benzo toxicity on top of an opioid overdose might make a person unconscious for a long time.
The drug strategy warning said that Naloxone can be used to respond to an opioid overdose or benzo toxicity.
"Give Naloxone. This will help reverse the opioid overdose. This may improve breathing, but the person may not regain consciousness due to sedation from benzos. Call 911 to get medical help and keep monitoring their breathing."
For a free naloxone kit, contact The Point at Public Health Sudbury & Districts, Réseau Access Network, Sudbury Action Centre for Youth (SACY) or ask your local pharmacist.
