What Are Xanax Bars? (2024)

Author: Amy Keller, RN, BSN | Last Updated: 3/20/23 | 12 sources

A Xanax bar is a street name for alprazolam, a prescription medication that’s used to relieve anxiety.

Like other benzodiazepines, Xanax calms a person by slowing the central nervous system. Because the drug works quickly and effectively, it can be a godsend for individuals suffering from panic attacks and other debilitating types of anxiety.

But the drug’s relaxing effects have also made it a popular recreational drug, contributing to high rates of Xanax addiction and abuse.

How Many Milligrams Are in a Bar of Xanax?

Xanax, which is a name brand of alprazolam manufactured by Pfizer, comes in several different strengths. Xanax bars usually refer to 2-milligram-strength tablets of the drug.

Name brand Xanax bars are white and rectangular tablets imprinted with “XANAX” on one side and the number “2” on the other side. They are scored, or indented, in three places, so one pill can be broken into four 0.25-mg pieces.

There are also a number of similar looking generic versions of the drug. Par Pharmaceuticals distributes pale green Xanax bars. The 2-mg rectangular pills — which are imprinted with “S 90 3” — have two scores, instead of three, so they can be broken into three equal 0.66mg squares.

Actavis Pharma markets a yellow version of the drug. The 2-mg tablets are sometimes referred to as “yellow school buses” on the street. Other common slang terms for Xanax bars include: “sticks,” “planks,” “bricks,” “bars,” “zbars,” “handlebars,” “totem poles” and “zanies.”

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What Color Xanax Pill Is the Strongest?

Color, along with the shape of a tablet, can provide some clues about the strength of alprazolam tablets — but it’s not a perfect indicator. That’s because different manufacturers use different colors for their formulations.

The lowest dose of alprazolam, 0.25 mg, usually comes as an oblong, white pill that is scored down the middle — and most manufacturers pills look relatively the same, according to a search of the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s pill identification database.

But while most 0.5-mg alprazolam tablets, for instance, are football-shaped and pink or peach in color, some manufacturers sell 0.5-mg tablets that are yellow. And although 1-mg tablets are usually blue, some are green. As mentioned above, 2-mg Xanax bars are usually white, yellow or light green.

The highest strength dose of Xanax is a 3-mg extended-release tablet. That pill is triangular — not bar-shaped — and green.

Because of the wide variety of strengths and manufacturers, you should never take alprazolam unless it’s been specifically prescribed to you and came from its original prescription pill bottle.

What Does a Bar of Xanax Do to You?

Most people take alprazolam for its relaxing and euphoric effects, otherwise known as a Xanax high. But reactions Xanax can differ from person to person, depending on the dose taken and whether they have taken it before.

The 2-mg dose of alprazolam in a Xanax bar is a heavy dose of the drug. A person who uses alprazolam regularly and has built up a tolerance to it, might feel euphoric or extremely mellow, but someone who is not used to the drug may become heavily sedated.

Other common Xanax side effects include:

  • Difficulty speaking
  • Problems with coordination
  • Drowsiness
  • Depression
  • Memory problems

Dangers of Xanax Bars

Overdosing on Xanax only is rare. But mixing alcohol and Xanax or combining the drug with other central nervous system depressants increases the risk of a fatal Xanax overdose.

Signs and symptoms of a Xanax overdose include:

  • Extreme sleepiness
  • Confusion
  • Impaired coordination
  • Diminished reflexes
  • Coma and death

Counterfeit Xanax tainted with fentanyl and carfentanil is also cropping up the street. One dose of the fake drug could kill a person.

Using Xanax regularly can also lead to physical dependence and addiction. Xanax withdrawal can be uncomfortable and often requires a medical detox.

Rap References to Xanax Bars

Abuse of Xanax is so widespread that references to the drug have invaded popular culture and the rap music scene in particular.

In 2013, rapper Ricky Hil, Tommy Hilfiger’s son, came out with a song about Xanax addiction called “Xanax Bars.” And when South Florida rapper Lil Pump reached one million followers on Instagram in 2017, he celebrated by slicing a “Xan cake” make to look like a green Xanax bar.

California rap artist Diego Leanos, who goes by the stage name Lil Xan, had a breakout hit with his 2017 song “Betrayed,” about his two-year addiction to Xanax. The artist’s music video has garnered more than 211 million hits on YouTube.

Lil Xan says he decided to give up Xanax following the 2017 death of his friend and fellow rap artist Lil Peep, who died after overdosing on a combination of Xanax and fentanyl.

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Medical Disclaimer:DrugRehab.com aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

Author

What Are Xanax Bars? (1)

Amy Keller, RN, BSN,

Content Writer, DrugRehab.com

As a former journalist and a registered nurse, Amy draws on her clinical experience, compassion and storytelling skills to provide insight into the disease of addiction and treatment options. Amy has completed the American Psychiatric Nurses Association’s course on Effective Treatments for Opioid Use Disorder and continuing education on Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT). Amy is an advocate for patient- and family-centered care. She previously participated in Moffitt Cancer Center’s patient and family advisory program and was a speaker at the Institute of Patient-and Family-Centered Care’s 2015 national conference.

[emailprotected]

@DrugRehabAmy

editor

What Are Xanax Bars? (2)

Kim Borwick, MA,

Editor, DrugRehab.com

Other Addiction Topics

  • Alcohol Addiction
  • Drug Addiction
  • Prescription Drug Abuse
  • Teen Drug and Alcohol Abuse
  • Co-Occurring Disorders
  • Substance Abuse Treatment
  • Addiction Recovery

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What Are Xanax Bars? (2024)

FAQs

Do Xanax bars help with anxiety? ›

Xanax bars are also informally known as “zanies” or “planks.” As mentioned earlier, Xanax bars are used to treat anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety.

What is the real name for Xanax bars? ›

Alprazolam, sold under the brand name Xanax and others, is a fast-acting, potent tranquilizer of moderate duration within the triazolobenzodiazepine group of chemicals called benzodiazepines.

How does 1 mg of Xanax feel? ›

Many people who take Xanax recreationally, or without a prescription, describe the feeling as sedating or calming. Unlike some drugs, such as cocaine, that produce a “high” or euphoric feeling, Xanax users describe feeling more relaxed, quiet, and tired.

What does a 2 mg Xanax bar look like? ›

Here are some common Xanax bars around: White Rectangle – 2mg. Green Xanax – 3mg. Blue Round – 2mg.

Can you take a whole Xanax bar? ›

Some take an entire Xanax bar, which can create irritability, aggression, and hyperactive behavior. More symptoms may follow, like chest pain, low blood pressure, and drowsiness.

What type of anxiety is Xanax best for? ›

Xanax is the brand name for a fast-acting benzodiazepine medication, alprazolam. This medication is prescribed for the short-term treatment of generalized anxiety, panic disorders, anxiety associated with depression, and social anxiety disorder.

How much Xanax to take for panic attacks? ›

Dosage in Panic Disorder

Controlled trials of XANAX in the treatment of panic disorder included dosages in the range of 1 mg to 10 mg daily. The mean dosage was approximately 5 mg to 6 mg daily. Occasional patients required as much as 10 mg per day.

Which is better, Xanax or Xanax XR? ›

Unlike the short-acting version that must be taken three times a day, alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) is just taken once daily. But alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) is only approved to treat panic disorder, whereas the short-acting alprazolam (Xanax) is approved to treat both anxiety and panic disorder.

What are the negative effects of taking Xanax? ›

Side Effects
  • Being forgetful.
  • changes in patterns and rhythms of speech.
  • clumsiness or unsteadiness.
  • difficulty with coordination.
  • discouragement.
  • drowsiness.
  • feeling sad or empty.
  • lack of appetite.

Is 25 mg of Xanax enough? ›

Dosage for generalized anxiety disorder

You'll likely start by taking Xanax 0.25-mg to 0.5-mg tablets three times daily. Then, if you respond well to the drug, your doctor may increase your dosage slowly. The increase is usually once every 3 to 4 days. The maximum dosage recommended by the drugmaker is 4 mg daily.

How many mg is a lot for Xanax? ›

Your doctor may increase your daily dosage depending on your body's response to the drug. They may adjust your dose over time, typically increasing it by no more than 1 mg every 3 to 4 days. Xanax prescribing information reports a maximum dosage of Xanax as 10 mg daily.

Does Xanax help with overthinking? ›

Xanax can be effective in reducing excessive worry and anxious thoughts, but it's important to remember that it's not a permanent solution for overthinking. However, because Xanax has the potential for dependence and withdrawal, it is typically prescribed for short-term use.

What is the strongest Xanax? ›

The strongest dose of Xanax is a 3 mg extended-release tablet. However, these pills are typically triangular and green. The strongest and most common dosage of a Xanax bar is 2 mg.

What over the counter medication works like Xanax? ›

Medications like Valium or Ativan are commonly prescribed Xanax alternatives, offering similar effects. Over-the-counter options include supplements like melatonin, kava, or passionflower, which are known for their calming properties but also carry risks.

What is a blue pill with B707 on it? ›

The B707 variant of Xanax bears a blue color, resembling standard Xanax tablets. Xanax bars come in various types, each distinguished by a unique identifier: B704 pill: Encompasses 0.25 mg of alprazolam. B705 pill: Comprises 0.5 mg of alprazolam.

What is the bar medication for anxiety? ›

Buspirone is a medication that treats anxiety. It balances the levels of dopamine and serotonin in your brain. These are hormones that help regulate your mood. The brand name for this medication is BuSpar®.

How do you feel when you take Xanax for anxiety? ›

Taking Xanax may make a person feel tired, relaxed, or calm. However, the medication can also cause side effects like dizziness, memory problems, and dry mouth. Xanax is a benzodiazepine, which is a class of drugs that can treat anxiety and panic attacks.

Is Xanax good for anxiety or depression? ›

Xanax is a medication that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Xanax, which is the brand name for the generic drug alprazolam, isn't usually used to treat depression because there are several newer and safer medications available.

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