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Potentially habit-forming herbal sleep aid recalled

Friday, February 23, 2007 | 03:51 PM ET

Health Canada issued an advisory Friday warning consumers against taking an herbal sleep aid because it could be habit-forming.

The federal agency says Sleepees contains the drug estazolam, which is not declared on its label. The supplement has not been authorized for sale in Canada.

The distributor, Vancouver-based Our World Network Inc., has stopped selling the herbal sleep aid and is recalling the following Sleepees product lots: B39054006, B39069004, B39035001, B38883003, B38893003, OWN 961, OWN-042606, OWN 980, OWN 913.

Estazolam, which should only be taken when prescribed by a health-care practitioner, can be potentially addictive when taken 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 capsules, because of the risk of withdrawal symptoms," Health Canada said in a release.

Side-effects linked with the use of estazolam may include dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, depression, loss of memory and hallucinations.

No adverse reactions associated with the use of Sleepees have been reported in Canada.

Consumers should return the product to the place of purchase. For more information, people can call Health Canada's public enquiries line at at (613) 957-2991, or toll-free at 1-866-225-0709.

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