Alprazolam: Is There A Generic Form Of Xanax?

Alprazolam: Is There A Generic Form Of Xanax?

There is a generic form of the brand name prescription drug Xanax. It’s called alprazolam.

Alprazolam, like other types of Xanax, is available with a prescription from your doctor in both immediate and extended release tablets, which are comparable to Xanax XR.

Differences In Generic Alprazolam And Brand Name Xanax

Alprazolam is the active ingredient in both the brand name drug and the generic form. The only difference is that Xanax is sold by the original developer.

Pharmaceutical patents are only protected for 20 years. The patent on Xanax has long since expired, allowing other companies to make the drug in a generic form.

Price Point

The brand name drug is more expensive than generic alprazolam, because the manufacturer is factoring in the costs of their initial research and development.

Even when those costs are fully recovered, pharmaceutical companies will typically continue to charge more for the brand name.

Color And Shape Of Pills

The appearance of Xanax will generally depend on the dosage.

Pills that are 1 milligram or less will be oval.

Each one says “Xanax” across the front with the dosage listed below:

• 0.25 milligrams is white
• 0.5 milligrams is orange
• 1 milligram is blue

For higher doses, Xanax comes in a long, rectangular pill.

It is whitish-green and says “Xanax” across the front. The back has the number 2 to indicate that each pill is 2 milligrams.

These pills are scored in three places, allowing you to break them into 0.5 milligram segments.

Alprazolam tablets look very similar. Many manufacturers even use the same shapes and color code to indicate the dosage.

Unfortunately, there are so many different manufacturers of generic alprazolam that you are likely to encounter examples that look very different.

Why People Use Alprazolam

Under the supervision of a healthcare professional, alprazolam can effectively treat anxiety disorders and panic disorders.

With prescribed use, alprazolam can target your GABA receptors to help to calm your central nervous system.

This effect can combat debilitating medical conditions like agoraphobia and panic attacks. The downside is that alprazolam has the potential to be addictive.

“Prescribed use” means that you are taking the exact dosage at the exact time in the exact ways that your doctor prescribed.

Any variation that increases your dose or increases the effects you experience on alprazolam is considered prescription drug abuse.

Common Side Effects Of Generic Xanax

As long as you are using alprazolam according to your prescription, you should only experience mild side effects. These include drowsiness, lightheadedness, and headache.

Although they are less common, you may also experience sleepiness edging on sedation, irritability, nausea, difficulty concentrating, and changes in normal habits.

If you start to experience any of these Xanax side effects, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider.

Risks Of Generic Xanax Misuse

Using alprazolam according to a prescription is generally considered safe as long as your physician continues to manage your care.

However, the promise of safety crumbles once you begin to abuse generic Xanax.

Alprazolam is habit-forming, and you will eventually develop physical dependence if you begin to misuse your prescription.

With physical dependence comes withdrawal symptoms, which can be fatal if you are not properly tapered off of benzodiazepines.

If your addiction continues, you face all of the risks of Xanax abuse including short-term memory problems, brain damage, and severe mental health disorders.

Addiction Treatment Programs For Xanax Abuse

Your prescription drug abuse isn’t a moral failing or a sign that anything is wrong with you. It is a health condition, and you need medical professionals to help you treat it.

In the vast majority of cases, treatment for alprazolam abuse will require an extended detox program that allows your healthcare team to slowly taper you off of the drugs.

You may find both inpatient and outpatient options depending on the severity of your addiction.

From there, your rehab center will help you find long term therapy to support you through a very difficult transition in your life.

Find Drug And Alcohol Addiction Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center

At Bedrock Recovery Center, your health is our priority. Our dedicated staff will work with you to find the best addiction treatment options for your specific situation.

If you or a loved one is ready to stop abusing generic Xanax, give us a call at our Massachusetts addiction treatment location today.