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Meclonazepam sold as benzos (alprazolam)

Alert area

Dublin - other areas in review

Warning

Higher risk of breathing problems, sedation and overdose

Release date

9 October 2026

The back of a counterfeit alprazolam blister pack next to a small white tablet. Rlam-1 is written on the foil label.
The label of the fake medicine may contain the text Rlam-1.
The back of a counterfeit alprazolam blister pack next to a small white tablet. Several of the tablets are missing to show the orange colour of the front of the packet.
The front of the packet may be orange.

Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999 if

you or someone else has taken tablets sold as benzos and has:

  • problems with coordination or slow reflexes
  • severe drowsiness - they cannot wake up
  • slow breathing or other problems breathing - they may make snoring noises
  • cold and clammy skin
  • blue or grey lips or fingertips
  • a seizure (fit)

Stay with the person until help arrives.

Tell the medics everything you know about the drug and give them any leftover drug if possible. It will help them decide the right treatment.

What to do in an emergency

How to reduce harm

It’s always safest not to take drugs or medicines that are not prescribed to you.

The strength and contents of benzos sold without a prescription can vary. This can happen even if the tablets are packaged like a medicine.

If you use benzos:

  • it is safer not to take tablets sold as alprazolam in an orange packet or with Rlam-1 on the label
  • use a buddy system if possible - do not use alone
  • follow our advice on reducing risks from benzos

Effects of benzos and how to reduce risks

Using benzos and opioids

Some people who use benzos also use opioids and carry naloxone. Use naloxone if you suspect an opioid emergency.

Always call the emergency services. Naloxone cannot reverse the effects of a benzo overdose.

Effects of opioids and how to reduce risks

Where to get help

Call 112 or 999 in an emergency.

Find urgent and emergency care

You can contact a drug service if you want help to make a safety plan or access naloxone.

Find a drug service - drugsandalcohol.ie

Why we issued this warning

Meclonazepam was found in 2 products sold as alprazolam in Dublin in October 2026.

The effects of meclonazepam last longer than other types of benzos. This increases the risk of breathing problems, overdose and death.

Meclonazepam is a new benzo that:

  • is made illegally to mimic prescription benzos
  • is not approved for medical use because it is too risky
  • may be sold in a packet that looks like a medical product

Information for health and social care workers

We have separate information for frontline workers: