Drug Inspector Question:

Curious teens may abuse the anti-anxiety medication Xanax (pronounced ZAN-ex) — or the similar drugs Valium, Klonopin and Ativan — and feel drowsy and out of it, with very few so-called “fun” side effects. Once they start taking it, it can be difficult to stop. The more they use, the greater their risk of serious side effects, like twitching, depression and seizures. Teens who mix Xanax with alcohol or other drugs are especially at risk. Between 2005 and 2011, the number of ER visits related to Xanax or similar prescription drugs nearly doubled.