Consumer alert: Optimum Health Care SleePlus TCM or BYL SleePlus

Health Canada has advised consumers not to use these products.

They contain clonazepam (Klonopin), a benzodiazepine drug (think Valium, Atavin, Restoril), which can be habit-forming when used for as little as a few months.

Consult a healthcare professional before you stop taking the pills, because of the risk of withdrawal symptoms.

The advisory goes on to say, “The side-effects associated with the use of products containing clonazepam vary according to the individual and can include dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, depression, loss of memory and hallucinations.”

Here are some comments on a website called AskAPatient.com from people who used clonazepam for a prolonged time.

6/17/07 10:59 JR