Xanax is a brand name for a generic drug called alprazolam. Doctors can prescribe Xanax to patients with anxiety and panic disorders. Xanax can reduce anxiety symptoms. It can help people function more effectively and feel more comfortable.
Xanax has the potential for abuse and addiction. People who take Xanax should take it exactly as their doctor prescribes. It’s also important to know the signs of Xanax abuse and addiction and get help as soon as possible.
There are several different colored Xanax pills. This article will explore the effects of blue Xanax. You will learn how to identify Xanax abuse and where to find treatment.
Reach out to the caring specialists at the Mandala Healing Center to learn about our holistic addiction treatment programs. You may also schedule an intake assessment.
What is Xanax?
Xanax is the brand name of a generic form called alprazolam. Xanax is a prescription benzodiazepine drug. It works by increasing the activity of a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
GABA slows down activity in the central nervous system (CNS). When people take Xanax, they may have fewer anxiety symptoms or panic attacks.
Doctors typically prescribe Xanax to help people manage anxiety and panic.
Xanax is one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs. Millions of people in the United States take prescription Xanax each year. This suggests it is in many people’s medicine cabinets and relatively easy to obtain.
What is Blue Xanax?
Xanax pills are available in several different colors. The color of the pill indicates the dosage. Each colored tablet contains Xanax (alprazolam) in various doses.
Blue Xanax is simply pills that contain alprazolam and blue colorant. Blue Xanax pills come in three shapes:
- Blue Xanax bar (2mg)
- Blue pill (1mg)
- Oval-shaped pill (1mg)
The side effects of blue Xanax are the same as the effects of other colored Xanax pills. People take blue Xanax pills by mouth. The medication’s effects typically set in within an hour.
People who abuse Xanax may crush the pills and snort the powder. Doing this speeds up the drug’s effects. It is possible to become addicted to blue Xanax because it is a highly addictive prescription drug.
What Do Other Xanax Colors Mean?
The different colors of Xanax can make it easier to identify the dosage. Here is a quick overview of what the other colors of Xanax pills mean:
- Green Xanax bar: 2 mg, divided into three segments
- White Xanax bar: 2 mg, divided into four segments
- White Xanax pill: 0.25 mg
- Yellow Xanax bar: 2mg of the generic form of Xanax
- Peach Xanax bar: 0.5mg, oval-shaped pill
- Purple Xanax: 1mg, oval-shaped pill
- Pink Xanax: 0.5 mg, oval or round pill
Dealers may also sell counterfeit pills. Many counterfeit Xanax pills are red, but they can come in any color. It is important only to use Xanax if you have a prescription for it. It is never safe to get prescription drugs from another person.
Xanax Abuse and Addiction
Like all medications, Xanax can cause side effects. Xanax’s side effects include drowsiness and lightheadedness. Some people also experience euphoria while taking Xanax. Euphoria is the feeling of intense pleasure and a sense of warmth or well-being.
People may like the way Xanax makes them feel. Some may misuse it by:
- Taking larger doses
- Taking it more often than prescribed
- Taking it for longer periods
- Using it without a prescription
Xanax can cause other side effects. Some side effects of Xanax require immediate medical attention.
- Feeling faint
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Risk-taking behaviors
- Decreased need for sleep
- Increased energy
- Agitation
- Double vision
- Jaundice
- Excessive or fast talking
Dangerous side effects are more likely to occur in people who misuse Xanax. People who misuse Xanax may develop tolerance. Tolerance means that a person’s body has adjusted to the presence of a substance.
People with tolerance for Xanax need to take higher doses or take it more often to get the desired effects. After a period of abuse, people may become physically dependent on Xanax.
Find Xanax Addiction Treatment
If you or someone you love struggles with Xanax abuse or addiction, it’s crucial to find comprehensive treatment.
Treatment for Xanax addiction typically begins with medical supervision during detox. During detox, people receive medical care, medications, support, and other treatment. These can help to reduce Xanax withdrawal symptoms.
A holistic treatment program also includes:
- Individual counseling and behavioral therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Relapse prevention education
- Coping skills
- Medications
- Mental health treatment
- Nutrition support, mindfulness, massage, exercise, and other holistic therapies
- Aftercare planning and support
If you or someone you love lives with Xanax abuse, you are not alone. Holistic, supportive treatment is available at the Mandala Healing Center. Contact our team now to explore your treatment options or schedule an intake.