High Sedative Sales Alarm Fda

[george]

High sedative sales alarm FDA

BANGKOK: -- Rising sales of Alprazolam, a sedative used for treating anxiety disorders, has prompted concerns substance abusers may be using it as an alternative to illicit drugs stamped out during the government crackdown.

Food and Drug Administration secretary-general Dr Supachai Kunarattanapruk said yesterday that about 300 million tablets of Alprazolam were sold last year.

"We are keeping a close watch on Alprazolam use in Tak and Ranong because sales were quite high in those two provinces," he added.

Alprazolam requires a prescription to purchase it. Selling it without a licence is punishable by up to five years in jail.

"Using it for a long period of time can induce strong addiction. It's also dangerous if users don't know about its effects or proper usage," Supachai said.

He said users could fall asleep after taking the sedative, which could be dangerous if they are driving.

Each tablet cost Bt1 or Bt2. Supachai said other alternatives like ecstasy or ketamine are less popular among drug abusers because of their high prices.

--The Nation 2004-07-01