Xanax is the brand name for the pill form of alprazolam, a medication that’s commonly prescribed to relieve anxiety and panic disorders. It’s categorized as a benzodiazepine, a type of depressant that works by affecting a specific neurotransmitter in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA.
While the majority of people who take the medication suffer few if any side effects, its ability to generate a feeling of calm and relaxation makes it susceptible to misuse. Like all forms of the drug, purple Xanax bars can be abused, whether by consuming street-bought pills or by overdosing on prescribed medication.
What Are Purple Xanax Bars?
The color of Xanax pills varies according to the strength of the medication and the company that produces them. Although the medication comes in a variety of shapes and colors, it’s the bar-shaped ones that give the medication its nickname. Indented with vertical markings, they make it easy to divide the pill into smaller doses.
Produced by the manufacturer Pfizer, purple-colored Xanax pills are round, not bar-shaped. The pale purple pill is marked with the name of the drug and is inscribed with the label “A23.” Each pill contains 2 mg of alprazolam. Purple Xanax bars are typically prescribed for treating anxiety disorders with doses ranging from 0.25 to 0.5 mg.
Unfortunately, the characteristic markings on so-called purple Xanax bars make them all too easy to counterfeit. The fake pills often contain dangerous substances such as the opioid fentanyl that can cause serious health consequences or death.
How Are Purple Xanax Bars Misused?
The sense of calm and even euphoria that purple Xanax bars generate offers welcome relief for people who suffer from anxiety disorders. The medication alprazolam has also been approved by the FDA for panic disorders such as agoraphobia. They are also sometimes prescribed to treat conditions ranging from insomnia and depression to hyperactivity and epilepsy.
The general feeling of well-being that Xanax produces can make the pills highly addictive. All forms of Xanax are designed for short-term use. Long-term use of the medication can lead to physical and psychological addiction, producing an array of withdrawal symptoms when usage is ended.
Different Types of Xanax Bars
Xanax bars are commonly prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders, but their misuse has made them a topic of concern. These bars come in various colors, shapes, and dosages, each with distinct characteristics. Below is a breakdown of the most common types of Xanax bars:
- White Xanax Bars: White Xanax bars are the most common and widely recognized. They usually contain 2mg of alprazolam and are scored for easy splitting. Their neutral color is often associated with pharmaceutical-grade medications.
- Yellow Xanax Bars: Also known as the “school bus” due to their shape and color, yellow Xanax bars are another common variant. They also contain 2mg of alprazolam and are popular due to their potent effects.
- Green Xanax Bars: Are another 2mg version and are sometimes referred to as “hulks” because of their color. They may be shaped differently from the traditional rectangular bars, with triangular or round options also available.
- Blue Xanax Bars: Typically contain 1mg of alprazolam and are scored for division. Their dosage makes them a less intense option for managing anxiety and panic disorders.
- Pink Xanax Bars: Less common, pink Xanax bars are usually prescribed in lower doses, around 0.5mg. Their distinct color helps differentiate them from higher-dosage bars.
- Red Xanax Bars: Are rare and often contain 5mg or more, making them significantly more potent than other types. Due to their strength, they carry a higher risk of misuse and dependency.
- Peach Xanax Bars: Typically oval or football-shaped, contain 0.5mg of alprazolam. They are prescribed for mild anxiety or panic symptoms and are easily recognizable by their light orange or peach color.
The types of Xanax bars vary in color, dosage, and strength. While they are an effective treatment for anxiety when used as prescribed, misuse can lead to severe health risks. Always consult a healthcare provider before using Xanax or similar medications.
What are the risks of misusing purple Xanax bars?
As long as they follow the advice of credible medical professionals, the majority of people who take Xanax do not suffer serious side effects from the medication. Those who take the prescribed amount of the drug can most of the medication’s physical and psychological side effects, which may include:
- confusion
- drowsiness
- paranoia
- sleeplessness
- slurred speech
- forgetfulness
- headaches
- loss of appetite
- impaired mental function
Taking more of the medication than prescribed is the first indication of purple Xanax bar addiction. Patients may mislead their medical professionals by exaggerating their symptoms in order to attain more Xanax than needed. They may also visit multiple doctors to obtain more prescriptions.
People who become addicted to Xanax may also turn to illicit drug dealers to obtain more of the medication. They may be sold counterfeit purple Xanax bars that often contain other drugs, including dangerous fentanyl.
Abusing the medication by the way it’s administered is also common. When crushed into powder form, the pills might be mixed with alcoholic beverages or even snorted. Whether it’s caffeine, alcohol or other illegal drugs, combining alprazolam with other substances can increase the risk of overdose.
What are the common signs of Xanax addiction?
The health risks associated with the abuse of purple Xanax bars make it essential to identify as early as possible when someone is struggling with dependency issues. A desire to consume more of the drug than prescribed is often the first sign that something is amiss. Changes in behavior may accompany the cravings as addiction sets in and obtaining more Xanax becomes the prime objective.
Both physical and psychological reactions increase in intensity the longer the drug is abused. Prolonged abuse of purple Xanax bars can result in liver disease or glaucoma as well as mental disorders. Additional signs that someone is seriously addicted to Xanax include:
- an obvious physical dependence on the drug
- episodes of overdosing on purple Xanax bars
- severe withdrawal symptoms
- paranoid behavior (panic attacks)
- memory loss
- breathing problems
- episodes of prolonged confusion
How can Recreate Behavioral Health help?
Recreate Behavioral Health offers comprehensive treatment options for those struggling with substance use disorder, including Xanax abuse. Our state-of-the-art addiction treatment facility, staffed by highly skilled clinical and medical professionals, provides both inpatient and outpatient programs tailored to each patient’s needs.
With years of experience helping patients overcome drug and alcohol dependencies, we understand the challenges faced on the path to sobriety. Our addiction treatment programs, from medical detox to individual, family, and group therapy, lay the foundation for long-term recovery.
We specialize in identifying underlying mental health issues that often contribute to addiction. Our personalized, evidence-based care includes cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management sessions, and support groups to help patients recover fully. Our carefully designed Xanax detox program minimizes withdrawal symptoms while empowering patients to regain control of their lives.
If you or a loved one is wrestling with Xanax misuse or any other substance dependency, contact the compassionate professionals at Recreate Behavioral Health today. We’re here to provide the holistic, personalized support and clinical care you need to break free from the cycle of addiction.
