Health Canada is warning consumers to beware of Fulda Unitang Herbs Sleep Plus product because it contains a prescription sedative that could be dangerous to some people and addictive to others.

Health Canada is warning Canadians to avoid taking this sleep aid because it contains high amounts of the benzodiazepine, estazolam. (Health Canada)The drug it contains is estazolam, which can be habit-forming and should only be used under the supervision of a health-care practitioner.

A Health Canada analysis found each capsule contains 1.8 mg of estazolam, equivalent of the maximum recommended dose for healthy adults.

Taking the product as directed, which is one to two capsules daily, could result in taking more than the maximum daily dosage.

The drug falls within a class of pharmaceuticals known as benzodiazepines, which include brand name drugs such as Valium, Restoril and Ativan.

The drugs are not recommended for anyone under 18.

It can also be dangerous to pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, the elderly, and people with respiratory, kidney or liver problems.

People using the product are advised not to suddenly discontinue taking it, but instead should see a doctor. Stopping the drug immediately could lead to withdrawal symptoms that can include anxiety, sleeplessness, abdominal and muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating and convulsions.

The health agency also advises anyone using the product to avoid driving, operating heavy machinery or doing any other tasks that require mental alertness.