Xanax bars allow people to abuse alprazolam in high doses to quickly feel relaxed. And it is one of the drugs that fake versions are easily found. But did you know that addiction can occur in a relatively short amount of time with regular use?
Do you think you can spot a fake Xanax bar? Are you aware of the risks involved with taking counterfeit Alprazolam? Xanax is among the most frequently abused drugs, especially among young adults, making the prevalence of fake versions a significant concern.
In 2021, the number of alprazolam prescriptions had risen to nearly 15.4 million. This widespread use underscores the potential for abuse and addiction, particularly with Xanax bars.
Let’s explore the different types of Xanax bars, the dangers of fake versions, and how to identify counterfeit pills to protect yourself and your loved ones.
What Are Xanax Bars?
Xanax bars, the brand name for Alprazolam manufactured by Pfizer, were first introduced in 1981. However, the generic Alprazolam bars produced by various pharmaceutical companies, such as Actavis, Sandoz, Aurobindo Pharma, and Chartwell RX, are also commonly referred to as Xanax bars by users.
These bars are known by various street names:
Zanzibars
Ladders
Zanies
Planks
Plankies
Zanbars
Xanbars
Xans Bars
Alprazolam, a benzodiazepine classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance, is primarily prescribed for the management of anxiety disorders, especially panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. However, alprazolam is considered highly addictive and commonly misused due to its potential for abuse and dependence.
The Appeal of 2mg Xanax Bars
Each Xanax bar typically contains 2mg of alprazolam, although they are often divided to enable controlled dosing.
Xanax bars are often abused because they contain significantly more alprazolam than standard 0.25-1 mg Xanax tablets. The higher dosage provides a stronger sedative and euphoric effect that is sought after by recreational users
The most commonly abused forms of Xanax are the higher dosage “bars” or “footballs,” which typically contain 2-3 mg of Alprazolam.
Some of the most abused Xanax bars include:
White rectangular bars (imprint: G 3722, GG 249, Y21): 2 mg
Green bars (imprint: S 90 3, DAVA S 903): 3 mg, some of the highest dosages available
Blue round bars (imprint: B 707, V 2090): 2 mg
Yellow bars (imprint: R 0 39): 1-2 mg
Types of Xanax Bars
Xanax bars come in various shapes, colors, and dosages. The most common types include the 2 mg white rectangle bars, often simply referred to as “bars,” which are high-dose and scored for easy splitting.
There are also green, yellow, and blue Xanax bars, typically contain 2 mg, differing mainly in color. Lower doses, such as the 1 mg and 0.5 mg pills, come in blue, orange, and peach colors and are round or oval-shaped. Some unique shapes like the white five-sided 0.5 mg tablets also exist. Each type’s color and shape indicate its specific dosage and brand.
The most common types of Xanax pills and bars you might encounter:
The White Xanax Bar, also known as “sticks,” contains 2mg of Alprazolam and has the imprint “Xanax 2mg” on one side and “G 3722” on the other. It’s widely used for treating anxiety and panic disorders, with a design that allows for controlled dosing.
The Purple Xanax Bar, containing 2mg of Alprazolam, has the imprint “Pfizer 2mg” and is a potent medication similar to the white variant. Manufactured by Pfizer, it’s effective for treating anxiety disorders.
The Green Xanax Bar, known as “hulks,” contains 3mg of Alprazolam and has the imprint “S 90 3.” It’s usually prescribed for increased tolerance to lower doses.
The Yellow Xanax Bar, also known as the “school bus,” contains 2mg of Alprazolam and is imprinted “R 0 39.” Its yellow color comes from the manufacturing process.
The Peach Xanax Bar is milder, with 0.5mg of Alprazolam, and has the imprint “Xanax 0.5mg.” It’s suitable for those needing a less intense effect and comes in a standard 2mg dosage.
The Blue Xanax Bar, known as “blues,” contains 1mg of Alprazolam and has the imprint “B 7 0 7.” It’s a bridge between lower and higher doses.
The Pink Xanax Bar, typically in a 3mg concentration, has the imprint “Xanax 3mg” and is a strong option used under careful supervision due to its high potency.
Red Xanax Bars are often counterfeit and unsafe, with unknown potency and composition. They are not regulated and should be avoided due to the risks associated with their use.
Side Effects of Xanax Bars
Dry mouth, sleepiness, dizziness, blurred vision, headaches, confusion, difficulty with motor skills
In severe cases: hallucinations, fainting, convulsions, jaundice, seizures
Dangers of Abusing Xanax Bars
Xanax, a potent benzodiazepine, has a tranquilizing effect that can quickly turn into a nightmare if misused. Overindulgence in Xanax bars can lead to a perpetual state of dazed confusion, stripping individuals of their cognitive faculties and emotional control. The consequences of Xanax abuse are far-reaching and devastating, affecting not only the user but also those around them.
The dangers of Xanax overuse and abuse are multifaceted and can manifest in various ways, including:
Zombie-like state: Prolonged use can result in a constant feeling of being disconnected from reality, leaving individuals in a state of perpetual daze.
Amnesia: Xanax abuse can cause memory lapses, making it difficult for users to recall events, conversations, or even their own actions.
Depression: The drug can exacerbate existing depressive tendencies or trigger new episodes of depression, further complicating mental health.
Psychiatric disorders: Xanax bars abuse has been linked to the development of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis.
Rage and aggression: The drug can alter mood and behavior, leading to outbursts of rage and aggression, which can be dangerous for the user and those around them.
Fake Xanax Bars:
Benzos like Xanax are no longer limited to pharmacy shelves; they’re easily obtainable on street corners, online pharmacies, and the dark web.
If you’ve purchased Xanax bars from a drug dealer rather than through a prescription, there’s a high likelihood that they’re fake.
These counterfeit Xanax bars, often referred to as “ladders,” “buses”, “handlebars” and “footballs,” have flooded the market and are likely here to stay for a while. However, don’t be misled into thinking they won’t have any effect. Fake Xanax often contains harmful substances like designer benzodiazepines, including etizolam, bromazolam, and even fentanyl.
“Pressies” are counterfeit Xanax bars made by pressing drug powders, often containing etizolam or other dangerous substances instead of Alprazolam.
The supply of fake prescription pills, crudely pressed by Mexican cartels using chemicals from China and India, has surged. Fentanyl, which is faster and cheaper to produce than heroin and 50 times as potent, is commonly used as a filler, making these counterfeit pills highly addictive and extremely dangerous.
In 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized 20.4 million counterfeit pills, but experts believe this represents only a small fraction of what’s being produced.
According to the DEA Laboratory, approximately four out of ten fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills contain a lethal dose of fentanyl. Of the fake prescription pills analyzed in 2022, six out of ten contained potentially fatal amounts of fentanyl.
Which Xanax Bars Are Fake?
A Reddit user notes, “You’ll be surprised how good these new presses make them look. Just like the pharmacy. I have 1mg blue Xanax, we call them footballs here in the States. The test came back Alprazolam and Fentanyl.”
Some commonly faked Xanax bars include:
B707 blue Xanax bars
2090 V pill
GG249 Xanax bar
G3722 white bar
Y21 pill white Xanax
In 2016, Bob Gualtieri, sheriff of Pinellas County, Florida, held a press conference to warn both residents and tourists about fake G3722s laced with fentanyl and linked to the deaths of nine individuals.
B707 pill marketed as Xanax Bars but actually containing Bromazolam.
Recently, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody issued a warning about bromazolam, a potent benzodiazepine often referred to as “fake Xanax.”
How to Spot Fake Xanax Bars?
Identifying counterfeit Xanax bars can be challenging, but there are several tell-tale signs to watch for:
Coating and Breakage: Genuine Xanax bars have a uniform coating and should snap cleanly with a distinct sound. When broken, they should separate clearly and not crumble easily.
Misspelled Label: The brand name “Xanax” is prominently displayed on genuine bars. Any misspellings, incorrect positioning, or unusual font styles can indicate a counterfeit product.
Color Consistency: Authentic Xanax bars have a consistent color throughout. If the pill has different colors on the exterior and interior when broken, it is likely fake.
The difference In Weight: Real Xanax bars weigh approximately 0.5 grams. Counterfeit tablets often weigh more or less than this standard. Any noticeable weight differences between identical-dose tablets suggest a fake product.
Does Not Dissolve In Water: Genuine Xanax should disintegrate in water within a few minutes. While the medication itself is not water-soluble, the tablet’s binding agents are. Authentic pills will break into small pieces and float. If your pills do not dissolve in water or disintegrate unusually, they are likely counterfeit.
By being vigilant and aware of these characteristics, you can better protect yourself from the dangers of fake Xanax bars.
Overdose Symptoms from Fake Alparozam
Xanax, in particular, was a factor in more than a third of fatal prescription drug overdoses in the US, according to data released last year from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Taking more than the maximum daily dose of 4mg can lead to an alprazolam overdose, which can occasionally be fatal.
Overdose symptoms include intensified side effects like drowsiness, impaired reflexes, blurred vision, confusion, muscle twitching, chest pains, seizures, difficulty breathing, and coma
Since counterfeit Xanax tablets may include opioids, it’s also important to recognize the symptoms of an opioid overdose. Symptoms of an opioid overdose may include:
Labored, shallow, or difficulty breathing
Lips, fingers, or face turning blue
Clammy skin
Limp body
Vomiting
Pinpoint pupils
Convulsions
Death rattle (labored exhale that may resemble snoring)
Addiction Risk of Xanax Bars
Xanax bars are highly addictive. Misuse of brand name Xanax bars, rectangular Xanax bars, or multiple Xanax bars in any combination, including multiple prescriptions, can cause addiction. Xanax use disorder is serious, and addiction treatment services are suggested.
High Abuse Potential: Xanax bars allow people to abuse Alprazolam in high doses to quickly feel relaxed. Addiction can occur in a relatively short amount of time with regular use.
Withdrawal Symptoms:Quitting Xanax bars abruptly can be dangerous due to potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms like decreased heart rate and seizures.
Early Abuse: Early abuse by teenagers can lead to lifelong struggles with addiction.
If you or a loved one is facing a Xanax addiction, don’t wait. Reach out to Still Detox Florida at (561) 556-2677to start your journey to recovery today. Your well-being is our priority, and we’re here to guide you towards a healthier, brighter future.
