Herbal Sleep Supplement Found To Contain Habit-forming Drug, Health Canada

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. The product is not authorized for sale in Canada.

Estazolam belongs in the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, which should only be prescribed by a health care professional.

Estazolam should not be used by people with an allergy to any benzodiazepines, such as Valium (diazepam), Restoril (temazepam) and Ativan (lorazepam), or those individuals affected by the neuromuscular disorder myasthenia gravis or by sleep apnea.

Benzodiazepines, including estazolam, should only be used by pregnant women if absolutely necessary and with caution by the elderly and those with a history of substance abuse.

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.