You may have heard of Xanax, which is a frequently prescribed medication. But what is blue Xanax? Is it a legitimate med or an illicit substance? And does it pose any danger to people who use it?
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call us today or visit our admissions page to start your journey toward recovery.
What Is Blue Xanax?
Blue Xanax is one form of a prescription medication that contains alprazolam, which is a benzodiazepine.
Commonly referred to as benzos, drugs in this category are typically prescribed to treat anxiety, panic attacks, seizures, and insomnia. They are also sometimes used to treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, premenstrual syndrome, and depression.
Other frequently prescribed benzos include:
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Temazepam (Restoril)
- Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
Xanax pills are available in several colors including white, pink/peach, green, and blue. They also come in a variety of shapes, including ovals, rectangles, triangles with rounded edges, and pentagons. They are often imprinted with the word “Xanax” and a number indicating the dosage amount.
There are different types of blue Xanax, including:
- Oval pills that are imprinted with either Xanax 1.0 or B706. These contain 1mg of the drug.
- Rectangular pills (which are also called “bars”) that are imprinted with the code B707. These pills contain 2mg of Xanax.
Blue Xanax is a legal medication. However, some illicit manufacturers produce drugs that look similar but may contain altered levels of alprazolam and/or contaminants.
This is one of the many reasons why you should only take blue Xanax that has been prescribed by a qualified physician and acquired from a legitimate pharmacy.
Is Blue Xanax Dangerous?
A common follow-up question to “What is blue Xanax?” is, can taking this drug be harmful?
As is the case with just about every other prescription medication, using blue Xanax is not a risk-free endeavor. Even people who follow their physician’s guidance can experience adverse effects, though the likelihood of incurring lasting damage is much greater among people who intentionally misuse or abuse the drug.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of blue Xanax include:
- Drowsiness
- Impaired balance and coordination
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty concentrating
- Lowered blood pressure
- Appetite changes
- Change in sex drive
- Nausea
- Constipation
Less common, but potentially more serious, side effects include:
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Muscle weakness
- Swelling in hands and feet
- Mania or hypomania
- Breathing problems
- Suicidal thoughts
Also:
- Using blue Xanax or other benzos while pregnant has been linked with concerns such as miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight.
- Some people have experienced a severe allergic reaction when taking blue Xanax, with effects that included rash, itchiness, and swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat.
- Extended use of blue Xanax and other benzos, either on a prescription basis or recreationally, can lead to addiction.
Anyone who experiences any adverse effects after using blue Xanax should discuss them with the physician who prescribed the medication. In cases of serious, potentially life-threatening effects such as allergic reaction or suicidal thoughts, immediate medical attention may be necessary.
Overdose
In addition to being at risk of all the adverse effects listed in the previous section, people who abuse blue Xanax risk overdose, which can be fatal. Signs of Xanax overdose include:
- Profound confusion or disorientation
- Extremely slow or shallow breathing
- Diminished muscle control
- Difficulty remaining awake
- Loss of consciousness
- Gurgling or snoring sounds
- Blue or purple coloration near lips and fingertips
- Cool, clammy skin
If you are with someone who exhibits these symptoms after using blue Xanax, call 911 immediately and stay with the person until help arrives.
Signs of Addiction to Blue Xanax
Anyone who uses blue Xanax for any reason can develop an addiction, though the risk is greater among those who misuse the pills either to self-medicate or to achieve a recreational high.
Warning signs of blue Xanax addiction include:
- Using blue Xanax in larger amounts or for a longer period of time than directed by their physician
- Trying to buy, borrow or steal blue Xanax that was prescribed to someone else
- Lying about symptoms or visiting several doctors in an attempt to get additional prescriptions for blue Xanax
- Illegally acquiring blue Xanax without a prescription through unapproved online pharmacies or other illicit means
- Using blue Xanax in ways that pose significant dangers, such as by taking the drug while also using alcohol or other substances
- Continuing to use blue Xanax even after experiencing physical, psychological, or social damage as a result of prior use
- Failing to meet obligations at home, in school, or at work due to their use of blue Xanax
- Developing tolerance to blue Xanax, which means that they have to use increasingly larger amounts of the drug to achieve the effects they are seeking
- Having physical and/or psychological withdrawal symptoms trying to end or significantly reduce their use of blue Xanax
- Having a persistent desire to stop using blue Xanax, but repeatedly failing in their efforts to quit
Addictions to blue Xanax and other types of benzodiazepines are treatable conditions. But if a person doesn’t get the help they need, their continued compulsive use of these drugs can have a devastating impact on almost every part of their life.
If someone in your life has been exhibiting the warning signs of blue Xanax addiction – or if you believe that you have developed an addiction – an ideal first step is to consult with your doctor or schedule an assessment at a reputable treatment center near you.
The professional who conducts your assessment should also be able to help you explore your treatment options and identify the programming that is best for you.
If you began to use blue Xanax to treat an anxiety disorder or another mental illness, it’s important to find a provider who will develop a comprehensive plan to treat both your addiction and your mental health challenges. Addressing one concern while neglecting the other will complicate your recovery and increase the likelihood of a relapse.
Learn More About Xanax Addiction Treatment in Atlanta
Retreat of Atlanta offers medical detox and personalized residential treatment for adults who have become addicted to blue Xanax and other substances. We also provide dual diagnosis services to patients who have been living with both an addiction and a co-occurring mental health disorder.
At our addiction rehab in Atlanta, GA, you will work in active collaboration with a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals. Together, we can help you find your path to the healthier future you deserve.
To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.