Xanax Bars

Xanax is a medication used to control the physiological effects of anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression. (1)

Xanax generic name: Alprazolam

Brand Names: Niravam, Xanax, Xanax XR

Its 2mg version, comprised of four 0.5mg partitions, is more commonly known as a Xanax bar. Like Gabapentin, the Xanax bar works on the nervous system and produces a calming effect by improving the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a “nerve-calming” neurotransmitter.

However, aside from the 2mg Xanax bar, this drug is also available in other dosages:

25 mg (white, oval, scored, with a label of “XANAX 0.25”)



5 mg (peach, oval, scored, with a label of “XANAX 0.5”)



1 mg (blue, oval, scored, with a label of “XANAX 1.0”)

To maintain its potency, Xanax must be kept in an environment where the temperature never goes below 20°C but never goes above 25°C. (2)

Today, Xanax is the most prescribed psychiatric medication in the US, being 20 times more potent than valium. It has a short half-life, meaning it takes its effect quickly. Unfortunately, this advantage has also become the main reason many are getting addicted to it. (3)

Who Can Take Xanax Bars?

While it can help in getting rid of anxiety and panic disorders, Xanax may not be the right drug for you.

Inform your doctor that you have or are doing any of the following so he could prescribe a different and better medication for you:

Not at least 18 years old



Pregnant



Taking itraconazole or ketoconazole



Narrow-angle glaucoma



Allergy to alprazolam or to other benzodiazepines, such as clorazepate (Tranxene), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium), or oxazepam (Serax) (1)

Also, inform your doctor if any of the listed items below describe your condition:

open-angle glaucoma



a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior



a history of drug or alcohol addiction



seizures or epilepsy



kidney or liver disease (especially alcoholic liver disease)



asthma or other breathing disorder



currently using narcotic (opioid) medication

Is It Possible to Get Addicted to Xanax?

While most think that only recreational users can be addicted to drugs like Xanax, this is never the case. Building a tolerance to this medication is effortless. Later on, the inability to keep up with very high dosages would become an addiction.

That is why doctors recommend that one only takes this drug for a brief time. Dependency on Xanax poses many side effects including vision problems, nausea, vomiting, and memory problems.

More dangerous side effects include by are not limited to chest pains, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, tremors, as well as aggressive and anti-social behavior. (2)

What are the Side Effects of Taking a Whole Xanax Bar?

Xanax bars are designed in a way that one bar can be taken multiple times. This was done to help people keep track the number of dosages that they have taken. Also, it helps the patient organize his medicine packs.

Sadly, the way Xanax bars are made has made some drawbacks. There have been reports of people, most importantly older people, accidentally taking the whole bar instead of just pieces of it. However, Xanax overdose is a rare occurrence. Instead, it can cause people to act in ways that could harm them. (4)

Many patients have reported that taking one whole bar of Xanax can cause drowsiness, or even black out. This is dangerous in situations where the patient is driving or doing something in need of mental awareness.

Is It A Replacement For Therapy?

While Xanax can be helpful in normalizing hormone levels involved in anxiety and panic disorders, it is not a substitute for actual therapy. At most, it only temporarily alleviates the symptoms of the conditions of the illness.

Thus, it is best taken while also having regular sessions with a psychologist or a psychiatrist so as not to develop a high dependence on the drug.

XANAX. (n.d.). Retrieved August 10, 2017, from https://www.drugs.com/xanax.html

XANAX INFORMATION. (n.d.) Retrieved August 10, 2017, from http://www.rxlist.com/xanax-drug.htm

Nichols, H. (2016). Retrieved August 10, 2016, from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263490.php

Can your Overdose on Xanax? (n.d.). Retrieved August 10, 2017, from Addicionblog: http://prescription-drug.addictionblog.org/can-you-overdose-od-on-xanax