Montreal’s public health authority is warning residents about fake PEZ candies circulating in the city that actually contain a powerful sedative.
The Direction régionale de santé publique (DRSP) de Montréal issued an advisory Friday urging people to be vigilant after pink, rectangular tablets stamped “PEZ” were found to contain etizolam. The tablets closely resemble the popular candy often associated with children.
AVIS À LA POPULATION ⚠️ Risques de surdoses | La #SantéPubliqueMTL est préoccupée par la circulation de comprimés rectangulaires roses avec l’inscription «PEZ» contenant de l’étizolam, une benzodiazépine.⬇️ Pour plus d’information: https://t.co/pv7JjQ1rU7 pic.twitter.com/dZG8b1Mnmu
Etizolam is an anxiolytic medication from the benzodiazepine family. Health officials say it can reduce short-term anxiety but may also cause drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, loss of balance and falls.
In more serious cases, an overdose can lead to unconsciousness, little or no response to noise or pain, and slowed or absent breathing. The risk increases when etizolam is combined with other substances, potentially leading to respiratory distress.
Public health officials are asking residents to avoid consuming any unverified tablets resembling PEZ candies and to seek immediate medical help if someone shows signs of an overdose.
