INCREASING CONCERN OVER ADDICTIVE PILLS

XANAX and valium – the prescriptions drugs believed to have been taken by Southport State High School students – are both brand names for benzodiazepine drugs, according to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation.

It says the drugs are depressants which slow down the activity of the nervous system.

“Benzos” are also known as tranquilisers which are most commonly prescribed by doctors to relieve stress and anxiety and to help people sleep.

There is increasing concern among medical professionals about the risks of using these pills, particularly when they are taken for a long time.

The Bulletin has recently covered a number stories detailing the harmful effects of the drugs, including addiction leading to cases of alleged identity theft, fraud and robberies.

Using benzodiazepines without a prescription from a doctor or selling or giving them to someone else is illegal.

There are also laws against forging or altering a prescription or making false representation to get the drugs.

In 2014, in response to concerns about the use and harms associated with Xanax, the drug was rescheduled under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) as a schedule eight drug — classifying it as a drug of addiction.

Queensland Health has previously acknowledged that the misuse of prescription painkillers is an increasing concern.