For individuals grappling with anxiety or panic attacks, the B704 pill, a small white tablet containing 0.25 mg of alprazolam also known as Xanax, offers rapid relief. While this benzodiazepine can be a valuable tool when used correctly, its potential for dependence and misuse underscores the need for careful management.

B704 alprazolam 0.25 mg white oval tablet on a pharmacy counter

What Is the B704 Pill?

The B704 pill, produced by Breckenridge Pharmaceutical, Inc., contains 0.25 mg of alprazolam, a benzodiazepine commonly known as Xanax. Approved by the FDA for short-term treatment of anxiety disorders and panic attacks, with or without agoraphobia, it’s classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for abuse. According to a 2023 review in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, alprazolam remains one of the most prescribed benzodiazepines in the U.S., with over 21 million prescriptions filled annually 1. While the 0.25 mg dose is typically a starting point, its calming effects require vigilant oversight to prevent dependence.

Identifying Characteristics

Recognizable by its white, oval, biconvex shape, the B704 pill is imprinted with “B704” on one side and measures about 9 mm in length. This distinct marking differentiates it from other alprazolam strengths, such as the B705 pill for 0.5 mg. To avoid counterfeit medications, which the Drug Enforcement Administration reported seizing in quantities exceeding 3 million benzodiazepine pills in 2024, always verify the pill’s appearance through a licensed pharmacist 2.

Obtaining B704 exclusively from reputable pharmacies ensures safety and authenticity.

Composition and Effects

At its core, the B704 pill contains alprazolam, which enhances the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. By amplifying GABA’s calming effects, alprazolam reduces excessive neural activity, alleviating anxiety and panic symptoms within 15 to 60 minutes. A 2024 study in Frontiers in Pharmacology noted that the 0.25 mg dose typically induces mild sedation, peaking within 1 to 2 hours and subsiding after 6 to 8 hours 3.

Users may experience relaxation, diminished worry, or slight drowsiness, though frequent use can lead to euphoria, heightening the risk of misuse. For instance, a young professional might take B704 to manage social anxiety before a presentation, finding calm but noticing fatigue later.

Proper Usage and Precautions

To ensure safety, the B704 pill should be taken exactly as prescribed, generally for short-term relief of anxiety or panic symptoms, typically not exceeding 8 to 12 weeks. Swallow tablets whole with water, and avoid combining them with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants, as a 2023 study in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment linked such combinations to increased overdose risk 4. Patients should disclose all medications, particularly antidepressants or antifungals, as well as any history of substance use or liver conditions, to their doctor to prevent harmful interactions.

Store B704 in a secure, locked container at 20–25°C (68–77°F), and dispose of unused pills through pharmacy take-back programs to deter misuse. If anxiety persists or doses feel insufficient, consulting a healthcare provider is essential to avoid self-adjusting.

Uses and Dosage of the B704 Pill

Prescribed Uses

The B704 pill is FDA-approved to treat anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorders, with or without agoraphobia, effectively reducing excessive worry or sudden panic attacks. A 2023 study in Frontiers in Psychology underscored its value for short-term relief, particularly in acute panic scenarios 5. Unless specifically directed by a physician, it’s not intended for conditions like insomnia or stress unrelated to diagnosed anxiety disorders.

Proper Dosage

For adults, the starting dose for anxiety is typically 0.25 mg (one B704 pill) taken 2 to 3 times daily, while panic disorders may require 0.5 mg initially. Doctors may adjust doses based on response, but the daily maximum is 4 mg, with 0.25 mg often sufficient for mild symptoms. Older adults or those with liver issues may start at 0.125 mg to reduce side effects. Exceeding prescribed doses significantly increases the risk of dependence.

Administration Guidelines

Take the B704 pill with or without food at consistent intervals, such as morning and evening, to maintain steady effects. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible unless it’s close to the next scheduled dose; doubling doses is dangerous and should be avoided. Regular consultations with a healthcare provider help monitor efficacy and prevent tolerance, particularly if treatment extends beyond 4 weeks.

Side Effects and Risks of the B704 Pill

Common Side Effects

Many users experience mild side effects with the B704 pill, such as drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, or fatigue, which affect approximately 15% of patients, according to a 2024 study in Biomolecules 6. These symptoms often diminish within a few days, but persistent or bothersome effects should be reported to a doctor. To manage drowsiness, avoid activities requiring alertness, like driving, until the body adjusts.

Serious Risks to Consider

The B704 pill carries significant risks, including dependence, overdose, and severe withdrawal. Overdose symptoms—such as confusion, slowed breathing, or coma are particularly dangerous when alprazolam is combined with alcohol or opioids. The CDC reported a 35% increase in benzodiazepine-related emergency room visits between 2019 and 2023, highlighting the growing concern 7. Abruptly stopping B704 can trigger withdrawal symptoms, including seizures or heightened anxiety, necessitating a medically supervised taper.

Long-Term Use of the B704 Pill

Using the B704 pill for extended periods can result in tolerance, where higher doses are needed to achieve the same relief, and physical dependence, which leads to withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, tremors, or seizures within 12 to 24 hours of discontinuation. A 2024 study in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that chronic users may require 8 to 12 weeks of tapering to stabilize fully 8.

Long-term use may also impair memory, exacerbate anxiety, or contribute to social isolation, impacting relationships or work performance. For example, a retiree relying on B704 for panic attacks might feel increasingly foggy, prompting a shift to therapy-based strategies like mindfulness or counseling.

Is the B704 Pill Addictive?

Understanding Addiction Potential

Classified as a Schedule IV benzodiazepine, the B704 pill has a moderate to high potential for addiction due to alprazolam’s ability to enhance GABA, producing relaxation that can become psychologically reinforcing. A 2023 study in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment estimated that 20% of benzodiazepine users develop dependence within three months, with risks escalating with frequent dosing 9. Misusing B704, such as taking extra pills for euphoria, significantly amplifies this potential.

Factors Influencing Addiction Risk

Several factors increase the likelihood of addiction, including extended use beyond 4 weeks, a history of substance use, untreated mental health conditions, or chronic stress. A 2024 review in Psychiatric Times highlighted that young adults and individuals with unresolved anxiety face heightened vulnerability 10. Combining B704 with alcohol or illicit substances further elevates the risk of dependence.

Proper Use and Monitoring

To minimize addiction risks, patients should adhere strictly to their prescribed regimen, limit use to short-term treatment, and schedule regular doctor visits to assess ongoing need. Exploring non-benzodiazepine alternatives, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can address anxiety without reliance on B704. Staying alert for signs of dependence, like craving doses or requesting early refills, and storing pills securely help prevent misuse.

Frequently Asked Questions About the B704 Pill

What is the B704 pill?
The B704 pill contains 0.25 mg of alprazolam, a benzodiazepine prescribed for short-term relief of anxiety and panic disorders.

Is the B704 pill safe to take?
When used as prescribed and closely monitored by a healthcare provider, B704 is safe but carries risks of dependence and overdose if misused.

What are common side effects of the B704 pill?
Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and fatigue, which typically subside within a few days.

How should I store the B704 pill?
Store B704 at 20–25°C (68–77°F) in a locked container, out of reach of children or others who might misuse it.

Safety Warning

The B704 pill, as a controlled substance, poses significant risks of dependence, overdose, and severe withdrawal if not used responsibly. It should never be shared or taken beyond prescribed doses, as combining it with alcohol or opioids can lead to life-threatening respiratory depression. Counterfeit B704 pills, increasingly laced with fentanyl, heighten the danger; always verify medications through a licensed pharmacist. If signs of overdose, such as confusion or slow breathing, appear, seek emergency help by calling 911 immediately 2.

Support at Still Detox

Balancing the benefits and risks of the B704 pill can feel overwhelming, but recovery from dependence is within reach. At Still Detox, we provide personalized detox programs, therapy, and holistic care to guide patients through safe withdrawal and toward lasting recovery. Learn more about our benzodiazepine addiction treatment services or call (561) 556-2677 to take the first step today.

References

  1. Alprazolam Prescription Trends – JAMA, 2023
  2. Counterfeit Benzodiazepine Pills – Drug Enforcement Administration, 2024
  3. Alprazolam Pharmacokinetics – APA Psyche Net
  4. The Epidemiology Of Benzodiazepine Misuse – Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 2023
  5. Alprazolam in Panic Disorder – NIH, 2023
  6. Alprazolam Side Effects – StatPearls, 2024
  7. Benzodiazepine-Related ER Visits – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023
  8. Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Management – UpToDate, 2024
  9. Benzodiazepine Dependence Rates – Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 2023
  10. Benzodiazepine Addiction Risks – Psychiatric Times, 2024