![\"Estimated](\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/clock-regular.4ddebeb.svg\")
4 min read<\/p>\n4 min read<\/p>\n
\u00b7 The FDA announced a voluntary recall of select lots of Xanax.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 The impacted lots may dissolve too quickly or not fast enough in the body.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Patients who have concerns should contact their doctor.<\/p>\n
The Food and Drug Administration has announced a voluntary recall of select lots of Xanax. The incredibly popular anti-anxiety medication was originally recalled by its distributor Viatris in mid-March, but was recalled nationwide on Wednesday for \u201cfailed dissolution specifications,\u201d per the FDA<\/a>.<\/p>\n This is classified as Class II, which is the FDA\u2019s second most severe recall category. Products that fall into this classification \u201cmay cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote,\u201d per the FDA<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you take Xanax, it\u2019s understandable to be concerned. Here\u2019s what the recall notice means, plus what to do next.<\/p>\n Meet the experts: Jamie Alan, Ph.D<\/a>., an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University; Thea Gallagher, Psy.D<\/a>., clinical associate professor of psychology at NYU Langone Health<\/p>\n What is Xanax?<\/p>\n Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam. The medication is used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorder, according to the National Library of Medicine<\/a>.<\/p>\n The drug is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines, and works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.<\/p>\n Xanax can be taken on demand or daily, and typically kicks in within 30 minutes of taking a dose. The impacted form of Xanax, Xanax XR, is taken once a day and is designed to provide a slow release of medication throughout the day.<\/p>\n What does the recall notice say?<\/p>\n The recall specifically impacts 3-milligram tablets of Xanax XR, which is sold in 60-tablet bottles.<\/p>\n The recall impacts pills with the lot number 8177156 and an expiration date of 02\/28\/2027, per the FDA\u2019s notice.<\/p>\n \u201cThis lot is being recalled out of an abundance of caution after testing some of the tablets produced out-of-specification dissolution results,\u201d a spokesperson for Viatris told Prevention in a statement. \u201cPatient safety and the quality of our medicines are of the utmost importance to Viatris.\u201d<\/p>\n The lot was distributed in the U.S. between August 27, 2024, and May 29, 2025. \u201cThe risk to the patient associated with this event is considered to be negligible,\u201d the spokesperson said. \u201cTo date, no reports of adverse reactions associated with this lot have been received.\u201d<\/p>\n What are \u2018failed dissolution specifications\u2019?<\/p>\n It comes down to how the medication responds once it\u2019s in your body. \u201cFailed dissolution specifications mean the tablets won’t break down properly in the body, potentially leading to lower-than-expected drug absorption and reduced therapeutic effect,\u201d says Thea Gallagher, PsyD<\/a>, clinical associate professor of psychology at NYU Langone Health.<\/p>\n