Wed, 30 Sep 2009 2:52p.m.
"Giggle pills" imported from New Zealand are not being treated as a laughing matter in Australia after a man ended up in hospital from taking one of the party pills.
The Australian Government is investigating the caffeine-laced pills being sold legally over the counter after a 19-year-old Queensland was rushed to hospital at the weekend suffering dizziness and a heart rate double the normal beat of 166a minute.
The Sydney-based Daily Telegraph newspaper reported packets of three Giggle pills, made by Auckland company named Light Years, were on sale for $A39.95 ($NZ49.27).
Police had seized pills from a Queensland shop and Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration is investigating the herbal contents.
Royal Brisbane Hospital emergency medicine director Alan O'Connor said a Giggle pill was the equivalent of drinking 20 cups of coffee in one hit.
Emergency Medicine Queensland chairman David Rosengren described the pills as a "significant health risk".
Light Years was not available for comment this afternoon.
NZPA
