ER Visits for Xanax Overdose Double Since 2005: SAMHSA

Hospitalization and emergency department (ER) visits for abuse of sedative Xanax has doubled since 2005, finds a survey.

Alprazolam found in drugs Xanax, Xanax XR and Niravam is prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, panic, insomnia, depression and other mental disorders. A recent report issued by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in the U.S. found an alarming rise in the incidence of non-medical use of alprazolam from 57,419 in 2005 to 124,902 during 2010. The figure remained considerably stable with 123,744 ER visits in 2011.

The agency noted about 1,200,000 drug abuse related hospitalization in 2011.

Nearly, 81 percent of the cases recorded were patients who had taken Xanax with other medicines or alcohol. About 75 percent of the patients reported combining the drug with prescription medicines and 66 percent said they had taken oxycodone, a pain killer drug with it. Overall, 52,000 people used Xanax with two or more prescription drugs.

"When used as directed, alprazolam is safe and effective, but misuse can result in serious health consequences," said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde in a news release.

 "This report highlights the need to educate people about the dangers of misusing or sharing prescription medications and the importance of properly disposing of unused medication, " she said.

During 2012, Xanax was the 13 most popular over-the-counter medication drug sold across the country and was a commonly prescribed psychiatric medicine in 2011.

"We're seeing growth in the number of people who are getting into trouble with these drugs," stated Pete Delany, director of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality.

 SAMHSA supports the Drug Enforcement Administration's National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Initiative to curb the prevalence of drug overdose and related injuries.