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Sudbury's Community Drug Strategy issues warning about mixing Benzodiazepines with opioids

The Community Drug Strategy in Greater Sudbury has issued a warning about increased use of Benzodiazepines. Those are powerful sedatives like Valium, Xanax, Ativan, clonazepam and Zylazine. When taken together Benzos and opioids increase the risk of overdose and death.

When taken together opioids and the powerful sedative increase the risk of overdose and death

CBC News ·
There have been increased reports of Benzodiazepines being used around Greater Sudbury. The Community Drug Strategy has issued a drug warning. When taken together Benzos and opioids increase the risk of overdose and death. (Betsy Trumpener/CBC )

The Community Drug Strategy in Greater Sudbury has issued a warning about increased use Benzodiazepines. Those are powerful sedatives like Vaium, Xanax, Ativan, clonazepam and Zylazine.

A news release from Public Health Sudbury and Districts states that when taken together Benzos and opioids increase the risk of overdose and death.

A Benzo toxicity/overdose may last for hours and include:

  • extreme sleepiness or passing out
  • poor balance and movement control
  • slurred speech
  • blackouts and memory loss

If someone is experiencing Benzo toxicity and an opioid overdose, the Community Drug Strategy recommends giving naloxone. This will help reverse the overdose and improve breathing, but the person might not regain consciousness due to the sedation. Also call 911 for medical help and continue to monitor the person's breathing.

Naloxone kits are available for free. Contact The Point at Public Health Sudbury and Districts, Réseau Access Network, Sudbury Action Centre for Youth (SACY) or local pharmacies.

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