The white rectangular pills with the imprints 5 5 5 in combination with other alphabets or numbers has been identified as containing Buspirone Hydrochloride and NOT Xanax (alprazolam).
Although both medications are used to treat anxiety, Xanax is in the benzodiazepine class of drugs, while buspirone is not chemically related to benzodiazepines and works differently than other anxiolytics. The brand name of buspirone called BuSpar is discontinued in the U.S.. Buspirone is available as a generic drug.
How Buspirone Works
Buspirone is from the azapirone class of medications, which includes other anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and antipsychotic medications. BuSpar has effects on neurotransmitters in the brain such as serotonin and dopamine. Specifically, it is a serotonin receptor agonist, which means that it increases action at serotonin receptors in your brain, which in turn helps to alleviate anxiety.
Buspirone is commonly used as an add-on to other medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for treatment of depression or anxiety, rather than a first-line treatment.
Buspirone may also be prescribed if other medications have been ineffective or produce too many side effects. It is most often prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder. Unlike medications such as Xanax, Buspirone doesn’t cause feelings of euphoria. The sedative effects of this drug like valium are a major reason it is abused. Buspirone abuse can result in a state of extreme sedation.
Fake Busipirone Sold As Xanax
Counterfeiters might sell Buspirone on the streets or lace them with other lethal chemicals like fentanyl. These counterfeit prescription drugs could lead to more opiate overdoses and deaths. For example, Fentanyl has been the cause of increasing overdose deaths in Ohio. In Franklin County next to Fairfield, the county coroner reported a nearly 75% increase in overdose deaths in just six months.
These spike in overdoses linked to fentanyl has sent health officials and policymakers rushing to find long-range solutions, just as the opioid epidemic appeared to be slowing in parts of the country. According to preliminary data from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office, deaths related to fentanyl continued to rise in the county last year, mirroring a national trend, though it’s difficult to say how many of those fatalities were caused by pills.
In their latest report on fake online pharmacies that ply their trade in the United States, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) found more than 1,500 new websites that it considers “Not Recommended,” and of these, 31% are offering illicit prescription drugs, such as fentanyl. Falsified medicines are often the business of criminal cartels. Fentanyl laced pills are responsible for most overdose deaths involving drugs that triggers highs. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent.
How to Spot Buspirone pill Fake Vs Real
In their latest report on fake online pharmacies that ply their trade in the United States, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) found more than 1,500 new websites that it considers “Not Recommended,” and of these, 31% are offering illicit prescription drugs, such as fentanyl. Falsified medicines are often the business of criminal cartels.
What does fake Buspirone look like?
A consumer, may not have access to most of the test equipment used by regulatory bodies to verify the identity of a drug product but there are simple guidelines that can help identify a fake Buspirone:
Check the Buspirone pill Packaging: This is the simplest and the easiest method to check the authenticity of buspirone pill. Check the packaging for details like unusual fonts, print color, and missing logo. Analyze whether it appears the same or different from the one you have used before.
No Breakage in the Seal: A Buspirone pill packet that comes with a security seal should not be damaged. Look for a crack or breaks in the sealing tape.
Check the Buspirone Pill Dosage Form: Look for dissimilarities in physical appearance of the drug like its color, size, uniformity, consistency, shape, etc.
Physical Attributes of tablet: As stated by World Health Organization, the common physical attributes that need to be looked out in medicine tablets are;
- Small pieces of tablets, excessive powder at the bottom of the medicine container, or brittle and crumbly capsule spilling powder.
- Cracks in the tablets or capsule.
- The appearance of crystal on the container walls or on the medicine tablets.
- Softening or hardening of the medicines.
- Swelling, spots or discoloration of the tablets or capsule.
Allergies / Unexpected Side Effects from using Buspirone Pill: Most of the medicines including Buspirone have side effects. It is important to consult your doctor before the usage to keep a check on allergies arising from it. If you notice certain unexpected or harmful side effects from your medication, report to your doctor immediately.
Price of Buspirone: If the price of a buspirone pill is suddenly far cheaper than the usual rate, double check the product as there may be a chance that the fake companies wanted to lure customers by providing medicines at much cheaper rates.
Verify Online or SMS: Many countries have unique methods for the verification of the genuineness of pills using authentication code or other online portals to confirm the authenticity of the Buspirone pill being purchased.
Fentanyl Test: Using a simple fentanyl test strip can help determine whether your Buspirone pill is laced with the deadly fentanyl or not. SEE: How to Spot Fake U23 Pill
Side Effects you Should Expect From A Genuine Buspirone
A range of adverse effects is possible when taking Buspar, including dizziness, nausea, headache, nervousness or excitement, and lightheadedness.
Other more rare but potential adverse effects include the following:
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Difficulty sleeping
- Drowsiness and fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Vomiting, upset stomach, stomach pain
- Weakness or numbness
The more common side effects are seen in about 10% of cases, while the rarer side effects are seen only in around 2% of people taking the medication. Side effects are more common when the medication is first taken and may lessen after a few weeks.
