Anxiety drug Xanax is under recall. Here’s what to know

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Xanax, a drug used to treat anxiety disorders, has been placed under a nationwide recall.

Viatris, the maker of Xanax, recalled the medication last month because of “failed dissolution specifications,” according to a recent notice from the Food and Drug Administration.

This means the pill may not break down in the body and release the drug at the right speed. If the medication doesn’t dissolve correctly, it could reduce its effectiveness.

Last week, the FDA classified the recall as Class II, meaning the affected pills could cause “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote,” according to the agency.

Xanax, a drug used to treat anxiety disorders, has been placed under a nationwide recall (AFP/Getty)

Here are some additional details about the recall:

Product description: Xanax XR, alprazolam, extended-release tablets, 3 mg, 60 Tablets bottles, Rx only
Lot number: 8177156
Expiration date: February 28, 2027

A Viatris spokesperson told The Independent, “Patient safety and the quality of our medicines are of the utmost importance to Viatris. The voluntary recall of Xanax XR in the U.S. is specific to one lot of one strength (3mg) of the brand product only, and no other batches of the Xanax XR brand product, or its generics, are impacted.”

“The vast majority of patients in the U.S. are dispensed generic alprazolam, which this recall does not affect,” the spokesperson added.

Viatris said patients don’t need to take any action in connection with the recall and that wholesalers and pharmacies have been provided with instructions on how to return the affected Xanax. The drug maker said they have not received any reports of adverse reactions from the recalled product as of Wednesday.

Consumers should also check their medicine cabinets for cough drops that were recently recalled (Getty)

Xanax is a benzodiazepine medicine. Benzodiazepines are depressants that slow down the body’s central nervous system, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. They are used to treat anxiety, but can also be used to relieve muscle spasms and reduce seizures, the DEA says.

The Xanax website warns against taking the drug more than prescribed or sharing it with other people.

Patients who take Xanax can reach Viatris customer relations at (800) 796-9526 or [email protected].

Consumers should also check their medicine cabinets for cough drops that were recently recalled.

Last month, China-based Xiamen Kang Zhongyuan Biotechnology Co., Ltd. recalled 15 cough drop products sold across the U.S. The recall was classified as Class II last week.

The cough drops were recalled following an FDA recommendation based on “certain observations” during an inspection of the manufacturing facility last August that “may bear on product quality,” according to an agency notice about the recall.