Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine medication primarily prescribed for the short-term management of anxiety and panic disorders. It is one of the most commonly prescribed psychiatric medications in the United States. Xanax is available in several formulations, strengths, colors, and shapes, including tablets, bars, extended-release pills, and liquid formulations.
Understanding the differences can help people identify legitimate prescription products and recognize the risks associated with counterfeit Xanax.
- Xanax is available in immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets (Xanax XR), orally disintegrating tablets, and oral solutions, each most commonly dispensed as generic alprazolam.
- The most common street Xanax pills are rectangular or oval and come in various colors and dosages.
- Counterfeit Xanax pills pressed on the street often contain fentanyl or other dangerous substances, increasing the risk of fatal overdose.
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Xanax overview
Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam that is produced by multiple pharmaceutical companies, is a form of benzodiazepine that is commonly prescribed in the United States. Xanax is used to treat a variety of physical health conditions owing to its sedative properties, but is most commonly used to treat mental health conditions.
Benzodiazepines are among the most commonly prescribed psychiatric medications in the United States. More than 30 million benzodiazepine prescriptions are dispensed each year, with alprazolam accounting for approximately 16.7 million of them. [1][2] However, Xanax also has a recognized potential for misuse and dependence, and more than 5 million people reported misusing prescription benzodiazepines in 2019. [2]
Because Xanax is widely prescribed and sought after for its sedative effects, counterfeit tablets are increasingly found in illicit drug markets. These fake pills can closely resemble legitimate prescription Xanax but may contain unpredictable amounts of alprazolam, fentanyl, or other substances, significantly increasing the risk of poisoning and overdose. Additionally, higher-strength Xanax tablets and bars can cause profound sedation and dangerous respiratory depression when misused or taken with other depressant substances. Understanding the different forms and strengths of Xanax can help people identify legitimate products and recognize factors that may increase the risk of overdose.
Forms of Xanax
Xanax (alprazolam) is available in several formulations, strengths, colors, and shapes to accommodate different dosing needs and preferences. It may be prescribed as immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, or a liquid solution.
Although certain colors and shapes are commonly associated with specific strengths, pill appearance alone cannot confirm a tablet's authenticity.
Immediate-Release Xanax tablets
These are the most common forms of Xanax. They are short-acting and typically taken multiple times per day. They come in the following strengths and colors:
| Strength | Color | Shape | Imprint |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25 mg | White | Oval | XANAX 0.25 |
| 0.5 mg | Peach | Oval | XANAX 0.5 |
| 1.0 mg | Blue | Oval | XANAX 1.0 |
| 2.0 mg | White | Oblong/Rectangular | XANAX 2.0 |
Xanax XR (Extended-Release)
Xanax XR is designed for once-daily dosing. It releases the medication more slowly over time. Available strengths include 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, and 3 mg tablets in various colors.
Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODT)
These dissolve quickly on the tongue and are useful for people who have difficulty swallowing pills and are available in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg.
Oral Solution
A concentrated liquid form of alprazolam (available in 1mg/mL) is used for precise dosing or for those who cannot swallow tablets.
Xanax bars and pills
The terms "Xanax bar" and "Xanax pill" generally refer to a tablet's shape rather than a different medication. Xanax bars are rectangular tablets that contain scored segments, allowing them to be divided into smaller doses. Xanax pills may be oval, round, or polygonal in shape and come in several strengths.
While color is sometimes associated with certain doses, appearance alone cannot confirm a pill's strength or authenticity. Generic manufacturers may use different colors and imprints, and counterfeit Xanax tablets can closely resemble legitimate prescription products.
Xanax colors, strengths, and pill identification
Xanax is manufactured in several colors, shapes, and strengths. The table below outlines common Xanax tablets and bars, including their typical dosages and identifying characteristics.
Because generic and counterfeit products may closely resemble legitimate Xanax, pill appearance should never be used as the sole method of determining a tablet's contents or strength.
| Color | Dosages and descriptions |
|---|---|
| White Xanax |
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| Yellow Xanax |
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| Green Xanax |
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| Pink Xanax |
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| Blue Xanax |
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| Purple Xanax |
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| Orange Xanax |
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| Peach Xanax |
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| Red Xanax or "red devil" |
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White Xanax
White Xanax is mostly manufactured by Pfizer and comes in both pill and bar form.
White Xanax pill: White Xanax pills are oval-shaped and have ‘XANAX 0.25’ printed on the side, which denotes their strength.
White Xanax bar: These bars contain 2mg of alprazolam and are segmented to be split into 4 0.5mg doses.
2mg Xanax is considered a strong dose when taken in one go.
Yellow Xanax
Yellow Xanax pills: Yellow Xanax pills are typically 1mg of alprazolam and have ‘039’ printed on them. A light yellow version is available with ‘198’ on it and is a much stronger dose of 3mg.
Yellow Xanax bars: These bars contain 2mg of generic alprazolam and are manufactured by Actavis Pharma.
Yellow Xanax bars, nicknamed “school buses,” are also designed to be broken into 0.5mg doses and are printed with ‘R039’ along the segmented side.
Green Xanax
Green Xanax pills: These pills are produced by a range of pharmaceutical companies and range from 2mg to 3mg alprazolam. The oval pills, often called “green footballs” have a lower dosage of 1mg.
Green Xanax bars: (Dava Pharmaceuticals) also contain 2mg of alprazolam, though unlike white and yellow versions they are designed to be split into three doses.
Green Xanax bars have ‘S903’ printed on the side.
Red Xanax bars
Red Xanax bars are fake and are not manufactured by any pharmaceutical company.
These bars contain 5mg of alprazolam, which is an extremely high dose and is capable of leading to an overdose if taken in excess. These bars are made illegally, meaning they may also contain other harmful substances such as fentanyl.
Red Xanax Bars have been nicknamed “red devil Xanax” or simply “devils” owing to their distinctive color and the code ‘R666’ often being printed on them.
Pink Xanax pills
Pink Xanax pills come in many forms but the most typical are extended-release versions of the pills (XR) that are 3 mg strength alprazolam. These pills have an ‘M’ on one side and ‘A24’ on the other.
Blue Xanax
Blue Xanax pill: There are many forms of blue Xanax pills ranging from light eggshell blue to deeper tones, in both round and oval shapes. These pills are almost always 1mg alprazolam and will have a split on one side so they can be broken into 0.5mg doses.
Blue Xanax bars: These bars are typically 2 mg alprazolam that can be broken into 4 x 0.5mg doses. Blue Xanax bars have ‘B707’ printed on one side and are one of the most widely produced counterfeit versions of Xanax. Buying blue Xanax bars on the street may result in ingesting substances other than alprazolam such as fentanyl.
Related: Blue Xanax (031 pill)
Purple Xanax pill
Purple Xanax pills (M A23) are extended-release versions of the drug that are a 2mg dosage. These pills are designed to release alprazolam slowly into the system so that 0.25/0.5mg amounts are delivered over the course of a day.
Purple Xanax is not recommended for use in pregnant women as there is positive evidence of risk.
Orange/Peach Xanax
Peach or orange Xanax pills are mainly 0.5mg of alprazolam and are intended for those suffering from anxiety or mild to moderate pain. While the risk of developing an addiction to small doses of Xanax is lower, prolonged misuse can still lead to dependence.
An orange Xanax 0.5 mg tablet is an oval, football-shaped pill with the imprint “XANAX 0.5” on one side and a score line on the back for splitting.
Other types of alprazolam
While Xanax is the most popular form of benzodiazepine, alprazolam comes in other forms. Some of these include different versions from other pharmaceutical companies, off-brand versions, and non-pill formats.
Liquid alprazolam
The liquid form of alprazolam is rarely prescribed and is used to treat general anxiety disorder, depression, and mild pain symptoms. Each milliliter of liquid alprazolam contains the equivalent of 2mg alprazolam.
Liquid alprazolam is intended to be mixed with food or drink directly before ingesting, or can be taken on its own. As the liquid is not premeasured, people can accidentally take too much by not measuring doses properly. This can lead to a dependence on the substance forming and other adverse side effects.
Alprazolam generic
Alprazolam generic is identical to Xanax and is just the non-branded version of the benzodiazepine. It can be obtained under prescription in much the same way as Xanax and typically has strengths ranging from 0.25 - 2mg.
Non-FDA approved alprazolam ("Mexican Xanax")
Some Xanax is imported illegally from outside the US, most commonly through Mexico. While this Xanax is often the same as the FDA-approved American version, some off-brand/unregulated alprazolam counterparts may cause adverse side effects due to being less stringently regulated. This includes Farmapram, which the FDA has noted may be produced with unregulated chemicals.
These occurrences are rare; however, with most licensed pharmacies in Central and South America only offering Xanax via prescription, and rarely to tourists.
Street Xanax and counterfeit pills
On the illicit market, Xanax is often sold as pressed pills that may look identical to legitimate ones. However, many counterfeit Xanax pills contain fentanyl or other potent opioids instead of (or in addition to) alprazolam. This has led to a sharp increase in accidental overdoses and deaths.
How to identify real vs. fake Xanax
- Legitimate Xanax has clear, consistent imprints and uniform color.
- Counterfeit pills may have uneven edges, inconsistent coloring, or wrong imprints.
- Always get Xanax from a licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription.
Warning: Never purchase Xanax from street dealers or online without a prescription. The risk of receiving a lethal counterfeit pill is extremely high.
Treatment for Xanax addiction
Xanax pills are incredibly addictive drugs, and overcoming an addiction can be difficult. With a safe and controlled medical detox and subsequent treatment program, conquering a Xanax addiction is possible and can pave the way to long-term sobriety. If you or someone you know is suffering from a Xanax addiction, contact an addiction treatment provider today to see what help is available.
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