**** NSHA Media Release
#DrugAlert Public Health received a report from Halifax Regional Police that a substance seized in Halifax tested positive for Etizaolam.
The substance was a blue rectangular tab with 3 bisecting lines, stamped B707 on one side and blank on the other side. The substance may be mistaken for Xanax.
Etizolam is similar to benzodiazepines like Xanax, Valium and Ativan. Benzodiazepine overdoses may present like opioid overdoses, but cannot be reversed by using naloxone.
Calling 911 is important for all suspected overdoses, even if naloxone is available.
With the possibility of substance contamination, it’s important to reduce the risk of overdose:
— Don’t use alone, if possible. Keep a distance of 2 meters and respect public health measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 if using substances with others. If you have to use alone, call a trusted support person and let them know you are using alone and provide them with your location.
— Start with a test dose. Start low, go slow.
— Have naloxone available, even if you aren’t intentionally using opioids. Naloxone is available for free from most community pharmacies and other community locations, including needle distribution and disposal organizations. For more information about where to get a free naloxone kit and how to use it, visit http://www.nsnaloxone.com/
— Call 911 in the event of an overdose. Know your rights under the Good Samaritan Act (http://www.nsnaloxone.com/good-samaritan-act.html)
