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Rachel V Thomas

US FDA Recalls Popular Anxiety Drug Xanax Over Potential Health Risks

Xanax, one of the most widely prescribed medications to treat anxiety and panic disorders, has been voluntarily recalled nationwide over potential health risks, said officials at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The West Virginia-based company Viatris Specialty has recalled a specific allotment of the medication Xanax, also known as alprazolam.

“The voluntary recall of Xanax XR is specific to one lot of one strength of the brand product only, and no other batches of the Xanax XR brand product, or its generics, are impacted,” said a Viatris spokesperson, The Los Angeles Times reported.

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

The FDA classified the recall as Class II category, because the product failed dissolution specifications, meaning it failed to dissolve at a standard rate. Class II recalls apply to products that can cause “temporary or medically reversible” health problems, as per the FDA.

The withdrawn product is Xanax XR, extended-release tablets distributed in the United States between August 27, 2024, and May 29, 2025, sold nationwide. The tablets are 3 milligrams, and 60 pills in a bottle.

A Viatris spokesperson said, in agreement with the FDA, patients who are consuming the recalled Xanax XR tablets do not need to take any action, the report said.

“Wholesalers and retailers, pharmacies, have been provided with instruction on how to return the product in question,” according to Viatris.

FDA officials said if you have questions or concerns about the recalled product, consult your doctor of pharmacist. 

“In some instances, stopping your medicine may be more harmful to your health than continuing to take the recalled medicine,” the FDA said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/us-fda-recalls-china-made-cough-drops-and-throat-lozenges-article-154074492" data-type="tilCustomLink">US FDA Recalls China-made Cough Drops And Throat Lozenges</a>

Xanax belong to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which work by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical in the brain that helps calm the nervous system. 

In addition to easing anxiety symptoms, alprazolam is also prescribed to control seizures in people with epilepsy. The drug is generally safe and helpful when used as directed, with its intended effect lasting up to six hours, according to the American Addiction Centers. 

But despite their short-term effectiveness, psychologists have warned that depending on these medications without addressing underlying issues can be harmful in the long run. 

A Spanish psychologist Fernando Azor, known for sharing mental health insights on TikTok, cautioned his followers about the overuse of benzodiazepines. 

In a 2025 video, Azor explained that while drugs like alprazolam can help calm anxiety attacks, they only mask symptoms rather than helping people understand what triggers their distress. 

“People experiencing anxiety crises often struggle to face the physical sensations, such as a racing heart, blurred vision, or nervousness—that come with anxiety. We automatically see them as dangerous or negative, but in reality, they are natural bodily responses to stress,” he added. 

Also read:<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/depression-anxiety-to-blame-why-gut-health-disorders-are-rising-among-young-indians-article-154058233" data-type="tilCustomLink">Depression, Anxiety To Blame? Why Gut Health Disorders Are Rising Among Young Indians</a>

According to Azor, perceiving these sensations as something to eliminate immediately can create a cycle of avoidance and dependency, rather than resilience. 

While benzodiazepines like alprazolam can offer short-term relief, mental health experts warn that they should not replace long-term coping mechanisms. Building emotional awareness and resilience through therapy and self-regulation remains key to managing anxiety sustainably.

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Xanax, one of the most widely prescribed medications to treat anxiety and panic disorders, has been voluntarily recalled nationwide over potential health risks, said officials at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The West Virginia-based company Viatris Specialty has recalled a specific allotment of the medication Xanax, also known as alprazolam. “The voluntary recall of Xanax XR is specific to one lot of one strength of the brand product only, and no other batches of the Xanax XR brand product, or its generics, are impacted,” said a Viatris spokesperson, The Los Angeles Times reported. “The vast majority of patients in the US are dispensing generic alprazolam, which this recall does not affect,” the spokesperson added. Why Was Xanax Recalled The FDA classified the recall as Class II category, because the product failed dissolution specifications, meaning it failed to dissolve at a standard rate. Class II recalls apply to products that can cause “temporary or medically reversible” health problems, as per the FDA. The withdrawn product is Xanax XR, extended-release tablets distributed in the United States between August 27, 2024, and May 29, 2025, sold nationwide. The tablets are 3 milligrams, and 60 pills in a bottle. A Viatris spokesperson said, in agreement with the FDA, patients who are consuming the recalled Xanax XR tablets do not need to take any action, the report said. “Wholesalers and retailers, pharmacies, have been provided with instruction on how to return the product in question,” according to Viatris. FDA officials said if you have questions or concerns about the recalled product, consult your doctor of pharmacist. “In some instances, stopping your medicine may be more harmful to your health than continuing to take the recalled medicine,” the FDA said. Also read: US FDA Recalls China-made Cough Drops And Throat LozengesWhat Is Xanax? Xanax belong to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which work by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical in the brain that helps calm the nervous system.  In addition to easing anxiety symptoms, alprazolam is also prescribed to control seizures in people with epilepsy. The drug is generally safe and helpful when used as directed, with its intended effect lasting up to six hours, according to the American Addiction Centers.  But despite their short-term effectiveness, psychologists have warned that depending on these medications without addressing underlying issues can be harmful in the long run.  A Spanish psychologist Fernando Azor, known for sharing mental health insights on TikTok, cautioned his followers about the overuse of benzodiazepines.  In a 2025 video, Azor explained that while drugs like alprazolam can help calm anxiety attacks, they only mask symptoms rather than helping people understand what triggers their distress.  “People experiencing anxiety crises often struggle to face the physical sensations, such as a racing heart, blurred vision, or nervousness—that come with anxiety. We automatically see them as dangerous or negative, but in reality, they are natural bodily responses to stress,” he added.  Also read:Depression, Anxiety To Blame? Why Gut Health Disorders Are Rising Among Young IndiansAccording to Azor, perceiving these sensations as something to eliminate immediately can create a cycle of avoidance and dependency, rather than resilience.  While benzodiazepines like alprazolam can offer short-term relief, mental health experts warn that they should not replace long-term coping mechanisms. Building emotional awareness and resilience through therapy and self-regulation remains key to managing anxiety sustainably.

us fda recalls popular anxiety drug xanax over potential health risks

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