Article: Man's 'insomnia drug' left teen fighting for life

A TEENAGER who was given a drug to treat insomnia ended up in hospital fighting for his life after taking other tablets.

The 16-year-old, who had been drinking, was given a Zopiclone tablet by 51-yearold John Young, who was prescribed the drug.

The drug can affect people's thought processes, and Durham Crown Court was told Young also gave a tablet to a 21-year-old, who had no bad effects.

But the teenager took other tablets, developed a reaction and ended up in intensive care, where his mother was told by nurses that he might not pull through.

Last night, the teenager relived the ordeal, saying:

"I could have died.

"It was terrible for my mum. She was crying her eyes out at the hospital.

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