NSW Health warns of dangerous drugs mixed with cocaine, leading to overdoses and one death. Authorities urge caution and advise carrying naloxone.
NSW Health issued an urgent warning on New Year’s Eve after one person died, and two others were hospitalised in a matter of days. Health authorities warned the public about the dangers of unexpected drugs found in cocaine circulating in the state after three severe overdoses in the past week. The three cases experienced severe sedative effects and altered behaviour.
The white powder associated with the cases was presumed to be cocaine by those using it but was found to contain bromazolam, a type of benzodiazepine with strong, sometimes unexpected effects and 2C-B, a hallucinogen. NSW Poisons Information Centre Acting Medical Director Professor Andrew Dawson said a key danger of illicit drug supply is when the “contents of the substance you are getting is unknown and can be inconsistent”. Anyone who experiences unexpected sedative effects such as difficulty speaking or walking, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slowed breathing/snoring and skin turning blue/grey should seek medical care immediately. Dawson advised anyone who uses illicit drugs, to carry naloxone — a life-saving treatment that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. It is available as an easy-to-use nasal spray or injection from some pharmacies and other health services. Although naloxone does not reverse the effects of benzodiazepines or hallucinogens, if you are concerned that someone is having an overdose, naloxone is safe to use in these circumstances, he said. Anyone who uses naloxone should call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance immediately after use for follow-up care. While anyone who has concerns about adverse effects from drugs should contact the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26, at any time 24/7
Drug Overdoses Cocaine Benzodiazepines Hallucinogens NSW Health
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