HEALTH chiefs are warning of the dangers of a new mind-altering drug after an alarming number of users in Dorset have needed hospital treatment.

Dr Adrian Dawson, director of public health for Bournemouth and Poole, said: “Several people, both male and female, have attended accident and emergency departments within the last few days, suffering from the effects of Ivory Wave which is sold on the internet as bath salts.”

He added: “All these people, who were frightened by their symptoms, have now been treated and sent home.

“We don’t know, at this stage, how dangerous this drug is but we do know that it can cause rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure, constricted blood vessels, sweating and potential renal failure.”

Ivory Wave, also known as Ivory Coast or Purple Wave, increases anxiety, causes prolonged panic attacks, suppresses hunger and causes insomnia.

Dr Dawson told the Daily Echo: “Because it’s the first time we have come across this drug in Dorset we have no idea of its side effects if it is mixed with other substances.

“It contains a lot of salt and people have been dehydrated. It is important that users get liquids and some food into their system.”

Dr Dawson said: “We want to warn people of the dangers of this drug and make sure they keep themselves safe. Our advice is not to take any drug, especi-ally those which can be purch-ased on the internet, as no-one can be sure what they contain.”

While little is known in the UK about the drug’s true identity, Austrialian drug users who have been experimenting with it say it is so addictive it provokes an almost uncontrollable urge for another hit, with one UK user claiming the powder is several times stronger than cocaine when snorted.

Tests at the University of Sydney revealed that Ivory Wave contained a potent psychoactive chemical similar to ecstasy.

Ivory Wave is sold in 500mg packets labelled ‘for novelty use only’ with no dosage instructions.