Marks Psychiatry

The FDA issued a warning about buying medication online. The agency tested several medications including Ambien, Xanax, Lexapro and Ativan and determined they were contaminated with the drug Haldol. Haldol is an antipsychotic medication that can cause a number of side effects, but most notably muscle stiffness or other movement disorders.

In fact, the FDA statement noted instances of people who received emergency care for symptoms such as muscle stiffness and trouble breathing after taking the medication they bought online.

If you have purchased medication online, you can compare your pills to photos provided by the FDA at their site FDA Drug Warning Photos. According to the FDA, the packages were postmarked from Greece, but they still have been unable to determine their origin.

In March, the FDA recalled a dietary supplement that could be purchased over the internet because it was found to contain Cialis - the medication to help with erectile dysfunction.

What the take away message? Be very cautios when purchasing medications online. Most legitimate operations will require a prescription and have a pharmacist available for questions. Visit the FDA Buying Guide for more information.

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