A recent study has uncovered a concerning trend of illegal medication use in the UK, with as many as 4.8 million adults obtaining prescription-only drugs from unlicensed sources. The findings, published by the Oxford Online Pharmacy, highlight the growing prevalence of a dangerous black market for anti-anxiety medications such as diazepam and alprazolam.
The research revealed that one-fifth of UK adults have illegally obtained prescription drugs, with over a third (35%) of those sourcing anti-anxiety medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and benzodiazepines such as Valium and Xanax.
Kiran Jones, a Clinical Pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, issued an urgent warning to those considering or currently taking black market anti-anxiety medication. “Anxiety is the most common mental health condition globally, and it is therefore unsurprising that there is a growing black market for anti-anxiety medication, alongside those prescribed legally by health professionals. But it is very concerning.”
The dangers of these illegally obtained drugs cannot be overstated. Counterfeit pills may contain dangerous or even lethal levels of synthetic opioids like fentanyl and other potent substances. There is also a high risk of dependency, as users may need to take higher doses to achieve the same effect, leading to a vicious cycle of addiction.
To combat this growing issue, experts advise consumers to be vigilant and look out for several red flags when purchasing medication. These include changes in the appearance of the product, such as differences in size, shape, or packaging, as well as any misspellings or aesthetic variations. Consumers should also be wary of being asked to pay in cash or via bank transfer, as legitimate pharmacies and healthcare providers typically use secure, traceable payment methods.
The UK Government’s FakeMed campaign provides useful information on how to spot suspicious online sellers, and the public is encouraged to report any suspected counterfeit or illegally obtained medication to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) through its Yellow Card scheme.
“There is no safe way to take prescription-only medication from an unlicensed source, even if it is given to you by a family member or friend,” warned Jones. “The black market for medication sits outside of regulation and has no oversight, making it extremely dangerous.”
As the battle against the illegal drug trade continues, this latest revelation serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for increased awareness and vigilance among the public to protect themselves from the risks of the burgeoning black market for prescription medications.