Alprazolam, known by the brand name Xanax, is a benzodiazepine medication that’s often prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Usually, healthcare providers will prescribe Xanax when other treatment options, like therapy or milder medications, for anxiety or panic attacks haven’t been successful.
The main issue with Xanax is that it can be highly addictive if used for an extended period or in large doses. That’s why many studies suggest that Xanax should only be taken for about 2-4 weeks while healthcare providers work on finding sustainable long-term solutions to help patients manage anxiety symptoms.
When someone struggles with a Xanax addiction, they may look for alternative ways to buy it on the streets rather than getting a regulated prescription. Unfortunately, that can be very risky since there are a lot of counterfeit versions of the drug, such as fake green Xanax bars.
In this article, we’ll detail everything you should know about green Xanax, including its risks, side effects, and signs of addiction. Read on for all the details.
Introduction to Green Xanax
When someone is prescribed Xanax, there can be some key differences in the pills depending on their strength and where they’re manufactured. Typically, the different colors of Xanax are used to identify the strength of the medication.
- Blue Xanax pills usually have the lowest dose of around 1 mg.
- White Xanax pills generally contain about 1-2 mg.
- Green Xanax pills or bars are the strongest at around 2-3 mg.
Since green Xanax is so strong, it’s a common reason why it’s referred to as “Hulk Xanax” or other street names like “Green Monster.”
The strength of green Xanax is also why many counterfeit versions are green. Dealers want to promote how strong it is and how it’ll make someone really high when they take it.
Identification and Dosage
Some legal prescription versions of Xanax come in a green color. They can come in an oval shape with “S 902” printed on them. Or they may come in a rectangular bar shape with “S 90 3” printed on them. However, different manufacturers can make them with varying labels and colors.
Dealers on the street making counterfeit Xanax may try to mimic the traditional color and printed label of prescription Xanax pills, so it isn’t always easy to identify false versions of it. However, some common signs that pills may be fake are if they’re:
- Cracked
- Smudged
- Crumble easily
- Have a bubbled-up coating
While these signs can help you identify fake pills, the DEA states that you should only take medication that’s prescribed under your name and you know is dispensed by a licensed pharmacist to ensure safety.
Medical Uses of Alprazolam
As mentioned, alprazolam (Xanax) does have medical uses. It can be very effective for short-term, intensive treatment of anxiety or panic disorders.
Essentially, Xanax works by increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain by binding to specific receptors that stimulate this hormone’s release.
GABA is a neurotransmitter that’s known for its calming effects. Therefore, when your brain releases more GABA, it can slow brain activity, including nerve signals that are associated with anxiety and panic.
It’s challenging to treat anxiety when someone is in a more severe or panicked state, which is why Xanax can be a good short-term option to begin the treatment process. Then, medical professionals can work with patients to develop coping mechanisms and strategies that lead to long-term success.
Potential Side Effects
There are some common side effects that may occur when taking green Xanax, even in medical settings. Those include:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Changes in libido
- Headache
- Trouble concentrating
- Muscle weakness
- Sweating
If taken in large doses to get high, someone may also experience side effects like slurred speech, poor balance or coordination, blurry vision, or memory loss in the short-term.
Serious Side Effects
Green Xanax can also result in some serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. This is especially common when it’s taken in high doses during recreational use. Those include:
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Seizures
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Unconsciousness or being unresponsive
- Slowed breathing or heart rate
If you notice these after someone takes green Xanax, you should call 911 to get them immediate medical attention. Make sure you let paramedics know that a Xanax overdose may have occurred so they can apply the right type of treatment.
Risks Associated with Misuse
Misuse or abuse of green Xanax can have many risks in the short and long term.
If you use Xanax for a long time, especially in high doses, there’s a high potential for addiction. Common signs of addiction include:
- Trying to stop green Xanax and not being able to
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it
- Withdrawing from social situations or things you once enjoyed
- Relationship problems
- Poor performance at work or school
- Multiple doctor’s appointments trying to get new prescriptions
- Financial difficulties
- Poor physical appearance
Xanax addiction treatment is possible and there are resources that can help. If you or someone you know is showing these signs, seeking help from a treatment center can be a good first step toward recovery.
Long-Term Xanax Use and Cognitive Function
One of the biggest long-term health risks associated with Xanax abuse is the risk of cognitive decline. Studies have indicated that long-term use of benzodiazepines can lead to memory problems, lower mental processing speeds, and decreased motor coordination.
Risks Associated with Counterfeit Green Xanax
The DEA has also released reports that taking counterfeit medications, such as fake green Xanax bars, is extremely dangerous. The main danger is that many counterfeit drugs contain the powerful opioid fentanyl, which is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine and has a high potential for overdose.
The DEA states that 6 out of 10 fentanyl-containing counterfeit drugs have a potentially lethal dose. Therefore, taking fake green Xanax could have life-threatening consequences.
The Dangers of Mixing Xanax with Other Substances
In recreational situations, it’s much more likely to use green Xanax alongside other substances, such as alcohol. However, combinations like Xanax and alcohol can be very dangerous since they can worsen reaction times, lead to more impaired decision-making, and even increase the risk of overdose.
How United Recovery Project Can Help with Green Xanax Addiction
We offer medical detox and residential treatment options for drug and alcohol addiction at the United Recover Project. If you or someone you care about is exhibiting signs of addiction to green Xanax, we can assist each step of the way.
Our knowledgeable and friendly treatment team can provide a full diagnosis and help you create a tailored plan that meets your unique needs. With us, you’ll get around-the-clock medical attention and a supportive care structure that leads to high rates of success.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you.
References
- Kennedy, Kieran M, and Julien O’Riordan. “Prescribing Benzodiazepines in General Practice.” British Journal of General Practice, vol. 69, no. 680, 28 Feb. 2019, pp. 152–153, doi:10.3399/bjgp19x701753. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6400612/
- “Fake Prescription Pills.” www.dea.gov, https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/fake-prescription-pills
- Stewart, Samantha A. “The Effects of Benzodiazepines on Cognition.” The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, vol. 66 Suppl 2, 2005, pp. 9–13, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15762814/
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration. “DEA Laboratory Testing Reveals That 6 out of 10 Fentanyl-Laced Fake Prescription Pills Now Contain a Potentially Lethal Dose of Fentanyl | DEA.gov.” https://www.dea.gov/alert/dea-laboratory-testing-reveals-6-out-10-fentanyl-laced-fake-prescription-pills-now-contain
