FDA WARNS OF DRUG IN 'SLEEPING BUDDHA'

The Food and Drug Administration warned consumers on Tuesday to stay away
from a product known as Sleeping Buddha, saying it contains a potentially
dangerous prescription drug.

The drug is sold as an herbal alternative to prescription sleeping pills
but contains prescription-strength levels of estazolam, a member of the
abenzodiazepine family.

"Estazolam is known to have serious side effects, including the potential
to cause fetal damage if a pregnant woman consumes the drug," the FDA said
in a statement.

"Also, because this product is a sedative, it poses a special risk to
consumers who take the drug while driving, while operating heavy machines
or while taking other sedative drugs or alcohol," it said.