A new synthetic benzodiazepine caused the recent overdoses in Portlaoise Prison
Twelve prisoners ended up in hospital after the incident on Tuesday.
Laboratory tests have now confirmed that the substance in question is Clobromazolam – a synthetic benzodiazepine that has never been identified in Ireland before.
Prison officers administered naloxone, which reverses the effects of opioid overdoses, after the incident. Twelve prisoners, some of whom were in critical conditions, were taken to hospital.
Benzodiazepines have a sedative effect, and are used to relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, as well as reduce seizures. The most common benzos are the prescription drugs Valium and Xanax.
