AROUND 20 teenagers in Salisbury needed medical treatment after taking dangerous prescription drugs, the police have said.

Officers are warning parents and guardians after a large number of youngsters aged 15 and 16  took Xanax over the past week.

Today (Monday) a 15-year-old girl who had taken the drug and needed medical treatment.

All of the teenagers are now recovering, but the side effects can last for several days.

The police have not said which school the children attended, nor how they got hold of the pills.

Xanax is a prescription drug which should only be prescribed by a doctor for anxiety disorders, the police said.

It can cause heart and breathing problems, slow reactions and can make a person feel drowsy, lethargic and forgetful.

These drugs can also lead to problems concentrating, headaches, vertigo and are very addictive, police said.

When taken with or even without alcohol they can slow the heart rate down to dangerous levels.

Inspector Pete Sparrow of Salisbury Police said: “We are concerned about these incidents in which young people are deliberately risking their health.

“The effects of taking any drugs which haven’t been specifically prescribed for you can have serious or even fatal consequences and we urge parents/guardians to talk to their children about the dangers.

"We are investigating where the supply to these young people has come from and ask that anyone with information comes forward.”

Ceri Williams, head of prevention of harm at Wiltshire Council, said: “Our young people’s drugs and alcohol service – Motiv8 – is already engaging with young people in Salisbury to make them aware of the risks associated with Xanax.

"We would encourage people to contact Motiv8 if they have any concerns relating to Xanax or any other substances by calling 0800 169 6136 or emailing info@dhimotiv8.org.uk”

Contact Salisbury CID on 101. Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.