Xanax Colors Pill Identifier Guide: Types of Xanax Bars

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Alprazolam, commonly known by the brand name Xanax, is a powerful prescription benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Though effective for its intended medical use, Xanax has a high potential for misuse due to its ability for mood elevation, rapid and short duration of action and effects on adrenaline.

Recreational use can lead to addiction and, in some cases, death. Reported cases of fake Xanax mixed with dangerous substances like fentanyl and etizolam have resulted in severe sedation, neurological issues and fatalities. Since alprazolam is one of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines in the U.S., proper medication identification prevents overdoses and potential Xanax addiction.

Continue reading to learn about the different Xanax colors of pills, shapes, dosages and images for responsible medication practices.

Xanax Overview

Xanax is classified as a benzodiazepine, a type of medication that works by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, leading to reduced anxiety, sedation and muscle relaxation in the user.

Approved by the FDA, Xanax uses covers:

  • Treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
  • Prescribed for panic disorders, often with or without agoraphobia.

Sometimes, Xanax is used off-label for conditions such as insomnia, depression, premenstrual syndrome and certain phobias. Xanax is typically prescribed for short-term use, and long-term use can lead to dependence, addiction, and even withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.

Different Colors of Xanax Bars Identification

โ€œXanax barsโ€ is a colloquial term for the pill form of alprazolam. The term โ€œbarsโ€ originates from the pill’s bar-like shape, designed to be easily broken into smaller pieces for easier dosage adjustments and money saving.

Each bar is typically scored into four sections, allowing the pill to be divided into smaller doses for controlled intake. Yet, Xanax comes in a variety of shapes, colors and doses, with the most common being white, yellow, green and blue. The color indicates the strength of the pill Xanax and can also indicate the manufacturer.

Letโ€™s review the Xanax colors chart:

Green Xanax Bars

Several pharmaceutical companies manufacture several Xanax types, each stamping the product with unique pill imprints. For example, the green hue is derived from FDA-approved colorants, contributing to its distinctive appearance.

Green Xanax pills are available in various shapes, including rectangular, oval, triangular and round, typically offered in 2 mg to 3 mg doses and are mainly manufactured by the pharmaceutical companies Actavis, DAVA, Pfizer and Mylan. You can identify green Xanax according to their shape:

  • Oval green Xanax, often called โ€œgreen football Xanax,โ€ corresponds to Xanax 1 mg strength.
  • Rectangular green Xanax, the most common green Xanax bar, corresponds to 2 mg strength.
  • Triangular green pills are the most potent option with a 3 mg dosage.

You can find green Xanax under other nicknames, such as โ€œgreen ovalโ€ and โ€œgreen monster.โ€ There is also the โ€œHulk Xanax,โ€ which is the slow-release version with less intense sedative effects, as its color reminds people of the comic book character.

Keep in mind that green alprazolam pills are similar in strength to the white and yellow Xanax bars, meaning they can have the same effects as the yellow and white versions.

Pink Xanax Bar

This form of alprazolam is a high-dose, 3 mg option. The pills are round or oval, pink in color, and have a shape similar to a football.

However, this pink oval pill Xanax, is not commonly produced and can be legally obtained only through a prescription from a doctor. Still, it is often acquired illegally by individuals with a benzodiazepine addiction, either from street dealers or by sharing among friends and family.

White Xanax Bar

White Xanax bars are the most common color form of alprazolam and typically have a distinctive rectangular shape with scores, allowing users to easily divide them into smaller doses. However, you can also find them in a round, oval or five-sided shape.

White Xanax bars are known as โ€œsticksโ€ on the streets and contain from 0.25 mg up to 2 mg of alprazolam. Each manufacturer distinguishes their product with unique imprints, for example, the Y21 pill, the 2090 V pill or the one with the imprint X ANA X 2.

This version of the medication can cause strong sedation quickly after intake and due to the high potency of this Xanax type, choosing a โ€œcold turkeyโ€ approach for cessation is not recommended as it can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms.

Yellow Xanax Bar

This pill is the generic Xanax version. It is distinctive for its yellow color and the imprinted code โ€œR 039.โ€ This R039 yellow bar hue can vary slightly due to different manufacturing companies, but the dosage and effects remain consistent with other Xanax 2 mg forms.

These bars are sometimes called โ€œyellow school busesโ€ because of their color and shape. Like other high-dose benzodiazepines, yellow Xanax bars should be used under strict medical supervision since their Xanax high potency makes them a target for misuse, leading to addiction or withdrawal symptoms.

Keep in mind that all alprazolam pills must have an imprint, and what you may think is a Xanax yellow unmarked round pill could be anything from a vitamin or energy pill to an illicit drug. For an R039 yellow pill real reference, consult the images below:

Blue Xanax Bar

Most blue Xanax pills contain 1 mg of alprazolam, apart from the Xanax 2 mg version, which is shaped like a bar and can be identified as a B707 blue pill. Users have the option to split these b707 blue pills in half for a lower dose of 0.5 mg.

Like the other types, blue Xanax is a prescription-only medication, classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for abuse. The round blue pill Xanax contains 1 mg of alprazolam and is often identified by the imprint โ€œ031 R,โ€ a pill identifier of the manufacturer, Actavis.

Blue Xanax often goes by the nickname โ€œblue football Xanaxโ€ due to the pill’s oblong shape, designed for easy swallowing. There are no blue Xanax bars 3mg available in the market.

Peach/Orange Xanax Bar

Peach or orange Xanax mg is a lower dose of the medication and typically comes in oval or football shapes. Pfizer manufactures these elliptical/oval pills in orange and 0.5 mg strength. This form is commonly prescribed for milder conditions and is available in doses from 0.5 mg to 2 mg.

It is crucial to understand that no legitimate โ€œXanax red circle pillโ€ exists on the market. Any red Xanax, often referred to as the โ€œRed Devil,โ€ is a counterfeit product. These fake Xanax pills are dangerously potent, containing over 5 mg of alprazolam, which significantly exceeds the maximum Xanax dose of 4 mg/day for anxiety disorders.

Purple Xanax Bar

This medication, produced by Pfizer, comes in round pills containing alprazolam 2 mg. Each pill is marked with the drug’s name and โ€œA23.โ€ For treating anxiety disorders, doses of 0.25 or 0.5 mg are usually prescribed. The highest dose is equivalent to approximately two of the purple Xanax oval pills.

Liquid Alprazolam: How Is It Different Xanax Bars?

Alprazolam is available in a liquid form, containing 2 mg per mL, but itโ€™s less commonly prescribed. This alternative method offers the same effects as tablets and is used to treat anxiety, depression, panic disorders, insomnia and sometimes alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

For taking liquid alprazolam, itโ€™s advised to mix it with applesauce, pudding or a drink right before consuming to ensure effectiveness. This form acts faster than pills due to quicker absorption. Always refrigerate the medication and use a special measuring spoon or cup to get the correct dose. Liquid alprazolam can be taken with or without food.

How to Avoid the Fake Xanax Bar

Fatal interactions have occurred with Xanax, including cases where adulterated Xanax pills were mixed with other substances like caffeine.

As these fake pills can be dangerous because they may contain unknown substances that can lead to serious health problems or even death, here are some tips on how to avoid fake pills:

  • Always obtain your medication from a licensed pharmacy. Avoid purchasing from online sources.
  • Ensure the pharmacy is reputable and certified (check for certification with NABP).
  • Check for any signs of tampering in the packaging. Xanax comes professionally sealed.
  • Verify that the label includes the correct drug name, dosage, manufacturer and expiration date.
  • Authentic Xanax bars have specific colors, shapes and imprints that vary by manufacturer and dosage.
  • If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Use online pill identification tools provided by reputable sources such as this guide.
  • If you need clarification on the authenticity of your medication, consult your pharmacist or doctor.

Xanax Colors โˆ’ Takeaway

When used as prescribed, alprazolam (Xanax) is generally safe and effective. Yet, the danger comes with fake Xanax, which often contains lethal doses of fentanyl, an opioid far more potent than heroin. Street-bought pills can lead to tragic overdoses and deadly outcomes.

If you were prescribed Xanax for psychiatric reasons, buy from licensed pharmacists and follow closely your doctorโ€™s instructions for proper medication and side effects prevention. However, if you are misusing alprazolam without a prescription, seeking medical help will guarantee you a safe withdrawal symptoms management, addiction treatment and therapy and an overall supervised detox process.

People Also Ask

What colors are Xanax?

Xanax is available in several colors, including white, yellow, green, blue, pink, and red, often corresponding to different dosages and manufacturers.

How many milligrams is a blue football Xanax?

A blue football-shaped Xanax, also known as blue round Xanax or b707 blue pill, typically contains 1 mg of alprazolam, often imprinted with 031 R by manufacturer Actavis.

Is 0.5mg of Xanax low dose?

Yes, 0.5 mg of Xanax is considered a low to moderate dose, commonly used to start treatment for anxiety or panic disorders.


Page Sources

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  2. Arens, A. M., Van Wijk, X. M. R., Vo, K. T., Lynch, K. L., Wu, A. H. B., & Smollin, C. G. (2016). Adverse Effects From Counterfeit Alprazolam Tablets. JAMA Internal Medicine, 176(10), 1554. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.4306
  3. George, T. T., & Tripp, J. (2023, April 24). Alprazolam. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538165/
  4. Nutrition, C. F. F. S. a. A. (2023, December 14). Color Additives Questions and Answers for Consumers. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/food/color-additives-information-consumers/color-additives-questions-and-answers-consumers
  5. FAKE XANAX: (n.d.). BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-sh/fake_xanax_the_uks_largest_ever_dark_net_drugs_bust
  6. Kolbe, V., Rentsch, D., Boy, D., Schmidt, B., Kegler, R., & Bรผttner, A. (2020). The adulterated XANAX pill: A fatal intoxication with etizolam and caffeine. International Journal of Legal Medicine, 134(5), 1727-1731. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-020-02352-7

Published on: November 16th, 2016

Updated on: October 5th, 2024

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