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

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.”

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.

Viatris did not issue a press release for the recall, according to the Food and Drug Administration’s recent notice, but it did send out notification letters.

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.

The Independent has reached out to Viatris for comment.

Here are some additional details about the recall:

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 customer.service@viatris.com.

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.