The number of deaths from sleeping pills has increased to more than one a week, figures showed, with 63 recorded in 2015. This increase is due to misuse of benzodiazepines such as Xanax and potentially dangerous, illicit and falsified medicines which are in circulation. A Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) spokesperson reported that: “These drugs have many potential side effects and may increase the risk of suicide in some people. They are particularly dangerous when used in combination with other prescribed or illicit medicines.”
Source : www.irishnews.com