Xanax or alprazolam is an incredibly strong benzodiazepine that is prescribed to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorders, and insomnia. And while it can be useful for treating the previously mentioned disorders, the use of Xanax needs to be monitored properly as users are extremely prone to addiction when used in the long term. Considering that it is one of the most prescribed medications, which has seen a 34% increase in prescriptions in the last year alone, it’s important to get as much information about it readily available and accessible. When it comes to Xanax, one thing that needs to be discussed is the difference between the different colors.
Among all the colors of Xanax, the green type merits further examination. If this is something you want to know more about, read on as we break down everything you need to know about green Xanax.
How Is Xanax Different from Regular Xanax?
Xanax is a powerful drug with both short-term and long-term effects. It comes in different shapes and sizes as well as a variety of colors. Now, the reason for the different colors is that the manufacturers of the drug wanted to make sure that their product is distinct. Now, to really understand how the green variation is different, we have to go through the other common Xanax types.
White Xanax is one of the most common colors for this medicine because many pharmaceutical companies mostly opt to use white for their tablets. However, they come with scores to make them easier to cut and can be round, rectangular, or oval in shape. When it comes to strength, white Xanax usually ranges from 0.25 to 2 mg.
Yellow Xanax bars are also quite common, considering they are the generic form of this drug. This variation also sometimes has the number 039 etched onto them. In terms of shape, yellow Xanax can come in the same shapes as the white type, though the strength ranges from 0.25 to 3 mg.
Pink Xanax has one of the highest doses as it comes in 3 mg. These are mostly only round and are usually available only through a physician-authorized prescription.
Green Xanax is considered by many to be the strongest type, and they come in rectangular, oval, triangular, and round shapes. Typically, the doses range from around 2 to 3 mg, though this type is slow-release with milder sedation effects. In fact, the drug is commonly abused and has several different street names including, green oval, green monster alprazolam, and Hulk Xanax.
What Are the Side Effects of Green Xanax?
Because green Xanax typically has the highest dose among the different types, it makes sense that the side effects are also more egregious. Now, the side-effects of the drug vary on a person-to-person basis, depending on a slew of different factors such as their physical state, coexisting medical conditions, and the amount of the drug that they have taken.
Here are some of the most common side effects that one can expect after taking Xanax:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Memory lapses
- Slurred speech
- Inability to concentrate
- Constipation
- Incessant sweating
- Headache
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Erratic weight gain or loss
- Swelling of hands and feet
- Muscle weakness
- Dry mouth
- Blurry vision
- Low libido
The side effects mentioned above are fairly manageable and don’t require medical attention. However, this won’t always be the case. Remember that Xanax, especially in higher doses, can be fatal to the user. As such, here are some side effects to watch out for that could indicate the need for immediate medical help:
- Signs of an allergic reaction (swelling)
- Lightheadedness
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Extreme erratic behavior
- Double vision
- Jaundice
Due to how lethal Xanax can be, it would be in one’s best interest to stick with the dosage that was prescribed to them by a doctor. This is because abusing Xanax can put both a person and the people around them at risk.
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Green Xanax?
Quitting Xanax can be particularly difficult because the drug’s properties make the user prone to addiction. And while this already makes quitting Xanax difficult, the harsh withdrawal symptoms make it even harder for people to kick their addiction. If you’re thinking of quitting the medication in question, it would be best to be prepared for what’s to come.
Here’s a list of the common withdrawal symptoms associated with the drug. Remember that the severity of the withdrawal depends on a person’s usage of the drug:
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Confusion
- Hostility
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Delirium
- Uncontrolled muscle movements
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Because of how extreme the withdrawal symptoms are, it’s typically not wise to quit Xanax cold turkey. A better approach would be to taper off the drug, gradually reducing the amount that is consumed, and this is best done under the supervision of a doctor. When tapering off from Xanax, one can expect to feel a wave of anxiety and agitation. In fact, people have reported feeling as if they are crawling out of their own skin. Keep in mind that it’s normal to feel skittish and restless during this period.
Withdrawal symptoms can be expected to appear around the first 8 to 12 hours since the last dose was taken. While all cases are different, it’s safe to expect the worst symptoms (physically and mentally) to appear during the second day. The symptoms will progressively get better as you approach the fifth day of withdrawal, but the mental side effects such as depression and anxiety typically last longer than the physical symptoms.
How to Get Over Xanax Addiction
As we’ve already mentioned, quitting Xanax cold turkey can be difficult and harsh, which is why it’s best to deal with the addiction with the help of trained medical professionals. Through proper medical guidance, people dealing with Xanax addiction will be able to safely taper off the drug while mitigating any potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
You also have to keep in mind that sometimes an inpatient rehab facility is the best course of action to smoothly and effectively go through the process. If you’re looking for professional help, we can help you find the nearest addiction center in your area. Inpatient rehab centers have medical teams on staff 24/7, ensuring that the patient gets the treatment and help they need.
How to Spot Fake Xanax
Another point that is of concern when talking about green Xanax is the proliferation of fake products on the streets. Unlike the products manufactured by pharmaceuticals, fake Xanax poses an even bigger threat to people’s health as there’s no telling what can be in them. They can even cause a slew of different issues, as the drugs may be littered with germs and bacteria. Likewise, you can’t be assured of the dosage with the fakes and may end up with a stronger dose, which makes it more likely to overdose on the drug.
Luckily, it’s not that difficult to differentiate fake green Xanax from legitimate medication. Fake products come with a lot of physical discrepancies, so be sure to examine the logo on the Xanax bar, and the symbols etched on them.
Conclusion
While Xanax can be used in treating many disorders, it’s also a drug that can be easily abused. If you find that your usage of Xanax is getting out of hand, it’s best to seek out medical help immediately so that you can curb your addiction while it’s still in its early stages.
Sources:
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/04/16/health/anti-anxiety-medication-us-demand-coronavirus/index.html
