Xanax, which is officially known as alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine class drug that is used in treating a variety of anxiety, panic, and sleep disorders. It is also sometimes used in alcohol dependence treatment.
That said, all benzodiazepines, including Xanax, have the potential to be addictive and, therefore, should be taken with care and under the recommendation of a qualified physician.
Now, not all Xanax pills are created the same. Neither do they pack the same potency. In fact, there are several types of Xanax pills/ bars, usually differentiated by their color. Of these, the Xanax blue and yellow pills are among the most popular. So, what are these pills, and what sets them apart from each other?
In this article, we answer important questions you likely have about these two Xanax pills:
What is the xanax blue pill?
The Xanax blue pill is one of seven distinct Xanax drugs currently on the market. Available in a characteristic blue color, the Xanax blue pill is classified as a schedule IV-controlled substance and typically comes in a 1mg dosage.
Aside from pills, blue Xanax is also available as bars which can be oval or elliptical in shape and carry a higher dosage, usually 2mg. However, they can be broken in half for a lower dosage.
That said, this type of Xanax is sometimes also called the 031, as the pill usually has these numbers printed on it.
Like most other types of Xanax, the Xanax blue pill is prescribed for the short-term treatment or management of anxiety disorders. It works by increasing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a naturally occurring brain chemical, consequently calming the user. The effects of blue Xanax set in pretty fast, usually 15 minutes to an hour after consumption, with peak effect taking only about 2 hours.
Blue Xanax is often abused for pleasure; in this case, users take it by snorting rather than swallowing. This way, the effects are felt in a matter of minutes.
What is the yellow xanax pill?
Yellow Xanax is a generic form of Xanax that usually comes in a 2mg dosage. Because they come in such a high dosage, physicians often direct users to break the pill in half to create two doses that can be taken twice a day. The drugs are characteristically yellow and rectangular in shape.
This type of Xanax typically takes effect after about an hour if taken correctly, that is, by the mouth. And the effects peak in about 1-2 hours. Like other types of Xanax, the yellow Xanax is prescribed to people dealing with anxiety or panic disorder. Unfortunately, many users depend on it, as stopping the drug strengthens the symptoms. The withdrawal symptoms are quite nasty, too, and can set in only a couple of hours after the last pill.
Moreover, users quickly tolerate the drug, requiring them to increase their dosage or consumption frequency to achieve the same results. These scenarios typically lead to addiction.
Blue Vs. Yellow Xanax: Highlighting the Differences
If you want to tell the difference between these two types of pills, here is a comparison in all key areas:
Imprint
Besides the obvious difference in color, blue and yellow Xanax pills differ in terms of their imprints. On the one hand, yellow Xanax pills feature the ‘R039’ imprint on their upper side. On the other hand, most blue Xanax pills have ‘031’ printed on top or ‘XANAX 1.0’ imprint on the side. And 2mg blue Xanax bars feature the imprint ‘B707’.
Street Name
The street names for yellow Xanax include “yellow school bus” and “school bus Xanax” because of their color. These bars might also go by “yellow boys” or “yellow ladders.” As for blue Xanax bars, street names include totem poles, bars, or blue footballs, depending on their shape.
That said, it is important to note that because street names vary depending on the region or location, it is unwise to solely depend on them to identify the drug. Instead, always follow your doctor’s prescription, don’t buy from the streets, and use the pills as directed.
Physical Attributes
In terms of appearance, yellow Xanax pills are rectangular, a trait that yet leads many people to formulate its many “bus” nicknames. On the other hand, blue Xanax pills can be oval, rectangular, oblong, or round.
Strength/ Potency
Blue and yellow Xanax also differ in strength, determined by the amount of the active ingredient, alprazolam, present in every pill. While yellow Xanax bars contain 2 mg of alprazolam, blue Xanax typically contains 1 mg of the same, except for the blue Xanax bars. So, that makes yellow Xanax twice as strong as blue Xanax.
That said, the strength of these pills helps determine the right dose for a patient. If a patient presents with more severe symptoms, yellow Xanax may be prescribed, but if the symptoms are milder, blue Xanax might be the option.
Side Effects
Every person reacts differently to Xanax; hence the side effects will vary from one person to the next. Even so, some symptoms are typical in blue and yellow Xanax users. On the one hand, blue Xanax can lead to many side effects like:
- Mental confusion
- Excessive sleepiness
- Reduced pulse rate
- Breathing difficulties
- Lack of equilibrium
- Cardiac arrest
- Convulsing
- Muscular fatigue
As mentioned, yellow Xanax is stronger than blue Xanax and, thus, has a more powerful relaxing effect. Taking yellow Xanax bars for as little as a week can lead to side effects such as:
- Blurred vision
- Increased sensitivity to light and sound
- Disturbed sleep, insomnia, nightmares
- Nausea
- Muscle tenseness
- Breathing difficulties
- Headaches and dizziness
- Muscle tremors
- Paranoid and suicidal thoughts
- Sudden aggression, irritability, and mood swings
- Feelings of anxiety and panic
Get Proper Treatment if Addicted to the Blue or Yellow Xanax
Blue and yellow Xanax are variations of Xanax, one of the most commonly abused prescription medicines. And while they have some considerable differences in color, strength, and other aspects, one thing is certain- abusing these drugs will significantly undermine your well-being. So, get help with your dependency on blue or yellow Xanax from a doctor.
