Red Xanax: Dangers Of The “Red Devil” Drug

Red Xanax is a potent benzodiazepine-class controlled substance that exists only as a counterfeit to legitimate alprazolam prescriptions. It exists on the black market as the most powerful fake Xanax drug and can be deadly when mixed with other substances.

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Dr. Manish Mishra, MBBS

Medically Reviewed By: Manish Mishra, MBBS

on October 10, 2022

The first and most obvious danger of red Xanax, commonly termed the “Red Devil” drug, is that it is fake.

Fake drugs are unregulated due to their illicit methods of production and distribution, and thus do not undergo any sort of clinical trials, toxicity reports, or ingredient evaluation.

This drug, also known as the R666 pill, is dyed blood-red and is highly potent, coming in anywhere between 3x and 20x stronger than other alprazolam medications.

If somebody without any previous history of alprazolam usage ingested a single red Xanax pill, they would most likely sleep for the next 12 hours due to its strength.

Alprazolam, like other types and colors of Xanax, is a benzodiazepine. These drugs are potent enough on their own, so any increased dosage or unnecessary usage can result in many adverse effects.

Why Red Xanax Is Dangerous

While benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan) can induce sedation to treat anxiety and panic disorders, any kind of excess dosage can be dangerous or even fatal.

Red Xanax, once widely available on the international online black market, is extremely potent. In fact, red Xanax bars came in only one strength: 5 milligrams (mg).

The usual dosage levels, even for treating severe cases of panic or anxiety, for alprazolam medications are generally 0.25 mg to 2 mg.

If this particular benzo-knockoff is combined with opiates or alcohol, it can cause an exponentially increased chance of experiencing a life-threatening Xanax overdose.

Counterfeit Xanax Pill

Red Xanax was never produced and administered by medical professionals, and only came about as a result of black market activity.

Dealers often cut their drugs or mix the main compounds with other additives, not just in fake Xanax, but in fake painkillers and sleeping pills, too.

Generally, many of these fake drugs include synthetic opioids like fentanyl or methamphetamine derivatives.

Deadly When Mixed With Alcohol Or Opioids

Even brand-name Xanax prescriptions can result in serious drug interactions when mixed with other substances.

In fact, 2020 alone saw that 16% of all drug overdoses involved a mixture of benzodiazepine-class substances and opioids. Such a combination overwhelms the body and leads to overdose.

Healthcare professionals have noted increased psychological effects when these two classes of substances are combined, which can lead to psychosis and other mental health complications.

What Is The Red Xanax Pill Made Of?

Red Xanax pills are made from alprazolam, which is its primary ingredient. However, street producers often combine other additives and synthetic opioids to drugs to increase their potency.

Alprazolam

Alprazolam, a chemical compound that belongs to the benzodiazepine class of controlled substances, constitutes the main ingredient in Xanax.

Red Xanax pills, once seized and tested, were found to contain 5-milligram doses of alprazolam, which is far higher than any individual should ever consume in one day.

Other Cutting Agents Such As Fentanyl

Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, methamphetamine derivatives, and other artificial compounds — such as U-4700 — were found in the illicit production of red Xanax.

Effects Of Red Xanax Abuse

Red Xanax abuse can significantly worsen the symptoms of panic and anxiety disorders, while also posing severe physical health risks.

Some of the health risks associated with red Xanax abuse include:

  • extreme drowsiness and sleepiness
  • increased propensity for panic attacks
  • mood swings
  • physical dependence
  • Xanax withdrawal symptoms
  • weight loss
  • fatigue

Treatment Options For Xanax Addiction

Healthcare providers have developed many different addiction treatment services and methods to treat Xanax abuse.

Some of these recovery methods and programs include:

  • detox
  • behavioral therapy
  • inpatient and outpatient treatment
  • counseling and therapy programs
  • medication-assisted treatment
  • holistic supplements

Find Substance Abuse Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center

If you or a loved one is seeking substance abuse treatment, call our free helpline to discuss enrollment at Bedrock Recovery Center today.

  1. Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/benzodiazepines/#:~:text=Benzodiazepines%20(pronounced%20'ben%2Dzoh,and%20to%20help%20people%20sleep.
  2. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/018276s045lbl.pdf

Written by Bedrock Recovery Center Editorial Team

© 2024 Bedrock Recovery Center | All Rights Reserved

* This page does not provide medical advice.

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