Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Taking Diazepam Or Alprazolam? Four Warning Signs Doctors Say You Must Watch For

Diazepam Or Alprazolam

A pharmacist has raised concerns for an estimated 4.8 million people in the UK who may be taking medicines such as <span>diazepam</span> or <span>alprazolam</span>. Fresh findings from Oxford Online Pharmacy suggest that one in five adults has obtained prescription-only drugs through illegal means. Anti-anxiety medicines top the list. Based on current population estimates, this could involve up to 4.8 million adults. 

Another 10 percent of respondents said they had been offered medicines from unlicensed and unlawful sources, including online sellers, salons, corner shops, or even friends and family, although they chose not to take them.

As part of the study, a nationally representative group of UK adults was asked whether they had bought, received, or been offered medication from an unlicensed source. Among those who said yes, more than a third, around 35 percent, reported obtaining anti-anxiety medicines. These included selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and <span>benzodiazepines</span> such as Valium (diazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam), according to a report by the Mirror.

<h2>What Are Diazepam And Alprazolam Used For?</h2>

Diazepam, sold under the brand name Valium, and alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax, belong to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. They work by calming activity in the brain and are mainly prescribed to manage anxiety. Diazepam is also used to treat seizures, muscle spasms, and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. 

Alprazolam, on the other hand, is more commonly prescribed for panic disorder. Diazepam stays in the body for longer, which makes it useful in withdrawal treatment, while alprazolam acts more quickly and is often chosen for sudden panic symptoms. Both medicines slow down the central nervous system to ease anxiety, but because of their effects and differences in how long they last, they should only be used under close medical guidance, as per Medicine Net.

<h2>Diazepam And Alprazolam: Why Are Doctors Warning Against It?</h2>

Kiran Jones, a clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, has issued a strong warning for anyone thinking about using, or already using, anti-anxiety medicines sourced from the black market. “Anxiety is the most common mental health condition worldwide. At any given time, around 4 to 5 percent of people are living with an anxiety disorder. With such high numbers, it is not surprising that there is a growing illegal market for anti-anxiety drugs alongside those prescribed by qualified healthcare professionals. However, this trend is deeply worrying,” Jones said.

She explained that some benzodiazepines bought illegally are made to look like genuine prescription medicines but are actually counterfeit. These fake pills may contain extremely dangerous or even fatal substances, including synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. There is also a significant risk of addiction with these medicines, especially when they are taken over long periods. Over time, the body can develop tolerance, meaning higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect, which can quickly lead to dependence.

According to doctors and NHS guidance, there are several red flags people should be aware of:

If you have previously taken anti-anxiety medication, you may notice differences in the size or shape of tablets compared to what you were originally prescribed. If you are unfamiliar with the medicine, it is important to check online what the genuine product should look like and what the usual dosages are. You might also spot spelling mistakes in the drug name, manufacturer details, or listed ingredients, as well as differences in packaging design. 

As per Mirror, these are often clear warning signs of a fake product. Proper packaging should always be sealed. If it appears opened, tampered with, or simply seems off, you should not take the medicine.

Genuine medicines are produced to a consistent standard and should look uniform. Tablets should not be cracked, unevenly coated, or crumble easily when touched. Any signs of mould inside blister packs or containers should be treated as a serious warning sign.

<h2>You Have To Pay In Cash Or Via Bank Transfer</h2>

Reputable pharmacies and healthcare providers use secure and traceable payment systems. Requests for cash payments or bank transfers are commonly used by illegal sellers to avoid being identified and to keep transactions untraceable.

This lack of traceability makes it much harder to report scams, track down sellers, or get help if something goes wrong. If you come across an online provider and are unsure whether it is legitimate, you should check whether it is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council before making any purchase. The UK government’s FakeMeds campaign also offers practical guidance on how to identify suspicious online sellers.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, especially if you have an existing medical condition, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other drugs.

Health Conditions A-Z

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diazepam

alprazolam

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alprazolam side effects

benzodiazepines

anti anxiety medication

diazepam for anxiety

alprazolam for panic attacks

benzodiazepine dependence

benzodiazepine addiction

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A pharmacist has raised concerns for an estimated 4.8 million people in the UK who may be taking medicines such as diazepam or alprazolam. Fresh findings from Oxford Online Pharmacy suggest that one in five adults has obtained prescription-only drugs through illegal means. Anti-anxiety medicines top the list. Based on current population estimates, this could involve up to 4.8 million adults. Another 10 percent of respondents said they had been offered medicines from unlicensed and unlawful sources, including online sellers, salons, corner shops, or even friends and family, although they chose not to take them.As part of the study, a nationally representative group of UK adults was asked whether they had bought, received, or been offered medication from an unlicensed source. Among those who said yes, more than a third, around 35 percent, reported obtaining anti-anxiety medicines. These included selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and benzodiazepines such as Valium (diazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam), according to a report by the Mirror.What Are Diazepam And Alprazolam Used For?Diazepam, sold under the brand name Valium, and alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax, belong to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. They work by calming activity in the brain and are mainly prescribed to manage anxiety. Diazepam is also used to treat seizures, muscle spasms, and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Alprazolam, on the other hand, is more commonly prescribed for panic disorder. Diazepam stays in the body for longer, which makes it useful in withdrawal treatment, while alprazolam acts more quickly and is often chosen for sudden panic symptoms. Both medicines slow down the central nervous system to ease anxiety, but because of their effects and differences in how long they last, they should only be used under close medical guidance, as per Medicine Net.Diazepam And Alprazolam: Why Are Doctors Warning Against It?Kiran Jones, a clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, has issued a strong warning for anyone thinking about using, or already using, anti-anxiety medicines sourced from the black market. “Anxiety is the most common mental health condition worldwide. At any given time, around 4 to 5 percent of people are living with an anxiety disorder. With such high numbers, it is not surprising that there is a growing illegal market for anti-anxiety drugs alongside those prescribed by qualified healthcare professionals. However, this trend is deeply worrying,” Jones said.She explained that some benzodiazepines bought illegally are made to look like genuine prescription medicines but are actually counterfeit. These fake pills may contain extremely dangerous or even fatal substances, including synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. There is also a significant risk of addiction with these medicines, especially when they are taken over long periods. Over time, the body can develop tolerance, meaning higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect, which can quickly lead to dependence.According to doctors and NHS guidance, there are several red flags people should be aware of:Medication AppearanceIf you have previously taken anti-anxiety medication, you may notice differences in the size or shape of tablets compared to what you were originally prescribed. If you are unfamiliar with the medicine, it is important to check online what the genuine product should look like and what the usual dosages are. You might also spot spelling mistakes in the drug name, manufacturer details, or listed ingredients, as well as differences in packaging design. As per Mirror, these are often clear warning signs of a fake product. Proper packaging should always be sealed. If it appears opened, tampered with, or simply seems off, you should not take the medicine.Medication QualityGenuine medicines are produced to a consistent standard and should look uniform. Tablets should not be cracked, unevenly coated, or crumble easily when touched. Any signs of mould inside blister packs or containers should be treated as a serious warning sign.You Have To Pay In Cash Or Via Bank TransferReputable pharmacies and healthcare providers use secure and traceable payment systems. Requests for cash payments or bank transfers are commonly used by illegal sellers to avoid being identified and to keep transactions untraceable.This lack of traceability makes it much harder to report scams, track down sellers, or get help if something goes wrong. If you come across an online provider and are unsure whether it is legitimate, you should check whether it is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council before making any purchase. The UK government’s FakeMeds campaign also offers practical guidance on how to identify suspicious online sellers.Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, especially if you have an existing medical condition, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other drugs.