NSW Public drug warning- Update on harmful drugs in fake alprazolam
Published on August 3, 2022
Source: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/aod/public-drug-alerts/Pages/counterfeit-alprazolam.aspx
Emergency: If you are experiencing an emergency, please call an ambulance on 000, or if you need to speak to someone urgently please call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
Counterfeit alprazolam in NSW rarely contains alprazolam. These products contain other drugs (mostly unregistered benzodiazepines) in variable combinations and dosages.
Know the risks
- Taking non-prescribed 'alprazolam' can cause serious harm. The risk of harm is higher if you:
- Take a counterfeit product
- Take a higher dose
- Mix different sedative drugs. Alcohol, benzos and opioids are very dangerous to combine.
- Use drugs when you are alone
- The tablets have variable appearance and can look like a variety of local or overseas alprazolam 2mg brands, such as Kalma, Xanax, Mylan, Sandoz. Products not purchased at pharmacies are high risk of being counterfeit.
- Counterfeit alprazolam is often poorly manufactured, and the ingredients and amounts can vary substantially, even within the same batch.
- Testing of counterfeit alprazolam has shown that most counterfeit tablets do not contain alprazolam, instead they contain unregistered, illicit benzodiazepines and other drugs (e.g. stimulants), which can be more harmful.
- Counterfeit benzos have been associated with serious harm and death.
Effects to look out for
- Difficulty speaking or walking, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slow breathing/snoring and skin turning blue.
- Be on the lookout for unexpected effects.
Getting help
If you see the warning signs of overdose:
- Seek help immediately from your nearest emergency department or call Triple Zero (000).
- Start CPR if someone is not breathing.
Support and advice
For free and confidential advice:
- Call Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 250 015 at any time 24/7. Start a Web Chatwith an ADIS counsellor Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5pm.
- Call NUAA on 1800 644 413 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) to speak to a peer or visit NUAA/DanceWize NSWfor a factsheet on fake benzos.
- Call the Poisons Information Centreon 13 11 26 for advice on adverse effects from drugs.
- Visit Your Room for information on benzos.
Current as at: Monday 1 August 2022
Contact page owner: Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs