Xanax recalled nationwide over dosage concerns

A widely prescribed anxiety medication is being pulled from the market nationwide after failing key quality control standards, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Pharmaceutical company Viatris Inc. voluntarily recalled one lot of Xanax XR (alprazolam) extended-release 3 mg tablets on March 17 after the drug failed to meet dissolution specifications, meaning the pills may not properly release the correct dosage into the bloodstream. The FDA classified the recall as Class II on April 8, indicating that use of the product may cause temporary or reversible adverse health effects.

Alprazolam is among the most widely prescribed benzodiazepines in the United States. The drug is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders and depression-related anxiety.

The recall covers lot No. 8177156 — bottles of 60 extended-release tablets with an expiration date of Feb. 28, 2027, distributed by Viatris Specialty LLC of Morgantown, West Virginia. The pills were manufactured in Ireland and distributed across the United States from Aug. 27, 2024, to May 29, 2025, according to the California State Board of Pharmacy. WPXI The total number of bottles affected has not been disclosed.

Viatris said the risk to patients is considered negligible and that no adverse reactions linked to the recalled lot have been reported. CA

Drugs that fail dissolution testing may not deliver medication consistently, potentially leaving patients without the full therapeutic effect of their prescription. For patients dependent on a stable daily dose to manage anxiety or panic disorders, inconsistent absorption can be a clinical concern.

Patients who believe they may have the recalled product are advised to contact their pharmacist or prescribing physician.