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The HSE issued a warning after six people were hospitalised in Cork when they ingested a designer drug.

The drug, described as a "scary party drug", is called 2C-B - but what is it and why is it so dangerous?

What is 2C-B?

2C-B is a powerful hallucinogenic also known as a substitute for ecstasy.

According to the HSE, these drugs can be sold in tablet powder or liquid format.

They are consumed at parties or clubs for their stimulant, mood altering and in some cases aphrodisiac effect.

Where did it come from?

There isn't much known about where the drug came from or when it arrived in Ireland.

Dr Greg Murphy of the Rochestown Clinic in Cork says people who take the drug can "get in to big trouble."

He said: "There is not a lot known about it in this country but it has arrived. It is a street drug which has potent effect. It peaks after five to ten hours but it can last for up to 24 hours."

What are the side effects?

It is generally reported these drugs can have serious side effects - both psychological and physical.

Possible side effects include paranoia, hallucinations - both auditory and visual, gastrointestinal effects and kidney problems.

A spokesperson for the HSE said: "Young people are advised that there is no quality control on these drugs. There are problems with purity and contaminants, and there is no way of checking that what is purchased or consumed is the intended substance."

Some users have reported that their 2C-B experiences have lasted between 10 to 24 hours.

What are the long-term health effects?

It does not appear as if the toxicity and long-term heath effects of recreational 2C-B usage have been studied.

The exact toxic dose is unknown, due to the fact that 2C-B is a research chemical with very little history of human usage.

There have been no deaths confirmed to be due to 2C-B in Ireland.