The drug, which has the medical name alprazolam, is prescribed in the US to treat anxiety and panic attacks but is potentially addictive
XANAX is prescribed US to treat anxiety but teens in the UK are now risking their lives by taking it aof taking it as a "party drug".
After over 200 UK deaths were linked to the drug since 2015, we take a closer look at the tranquilliser…
Xanax is used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the US but is not available on the NHS in the UK
Xanax is a benzodiazepine tranquiliser which has calming effect on users and is used to treat anxiety and panic attacks.
While it is branded as Xanax, the drug is actually called alprazolam and is potentially addictive.
The drug is part of the benzodiazepine group which also includes diazepam.
It used to be marketed as Valium, and lorazepam.
The drug is not available on the NHS but can be obtained on a prescription from a private doctor.
BBC reported that the drug is being seized at UK ports and airports since 2016.
Counterfeit, or fraudulent, versions of the drug are often bought on the dark web and are mixed with other substances, making it very dangerous.
Drugs charity Addaction said that kids as young as 13 were buying Xanax and diazepam online.
Last May, up to 20 teenagers in Wiltshire needed medical treatment after abusing Xanax.
At least 204 deaths have been linked to the misuse of anxiety drug Xanax in the UK since 2015, reported BBC.
Of these, there were 126 fatalities in Scotland between 2015 and 2017.
There were 35 deaths reported in England and Wales between 2015 and 2018.
During those two years, 43 people have died in Northern Ireland due to misusing Xanax with other drugs.
Six youngsters all needed emergency treatment after taking the drug last year, which is 20 times stronger than Valium.
"There is increasing concern about the use of Xanax," said Dr Peter Wilkinson, public health consultant for Brighton council.
He added: "It can have a wide range of harmful effects and overdoses can be fatal particularly when taken with alcohol and other drugs.
"We're asking parents to talk to their children, to make sure they understand the risks."
American pop star Lil Peep accidentally overdosed on Xanax and dangerous opioid Fentanyl while on his tour bus, a medical examiner’s report concluded in December.
The 21-year-old, whose real name was Gustav Ahr, was widely believed to have died following a drug overdose after being found dead in Arizona on November 15.
Lil Peep also tested positive for marijuana, cocaine, Tramadol and a number of other powerful prescription opiates, according to the toxicology report obtained by the New York Daily News.
The report, which was issued by the Pima County Medical Examiner, showed the young performer had no alcohol in his system.
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