Xanax Candies: What Is A Xanax Lollipop?

Dr. Manish Mishra, MBBS

Medically Reviewed By: Manish Mishra, MBBS

on

Xanax (alprazolam) is a prescription drug that belongs to a class of substances known as benzodiazepines. When prescribed, it typically comes in the form of a pill or tablet.

Unfortunately, drugs like Xanax are also sometimes manufactured illegally in forms that are different from what you might get through a doctor’s prescription.

A relatively new drug form of Xanax that has been found and seized by law enforcement in recent years is Xanax-laced candies, including gummies, sweet tart-like candies, and lollipops.

What Are Xanax Lollipops?

A Xanax lollipop refers to a lollipop or candy that has been laced with Xanax, the brand name for the generic drug alprazolam.

Xanax, or alprazolam, is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that is commonly prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat anxiety and panic disorders.

Street names for Xanax candies may include:

  • Xanie tarts
  • Xanax tarts
  • Xanax sweet tarts
  • Xanax gummy bears/gummies
  • zanies
  • benzos
  • downers

Xanax candies can be dangerous at least in part because they may not look, smell, or even taste different than normal candy. This can make it difficult to discern from a normal lollipop.

What Are The Effects Of Xanax Lollipops?

A Xanax lollipop or Xanax-soaked candy may have adverse effects typically associated with the benzodiazepine class, such as drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and disorientation.

Other possible side effects may include:

  • light-headedness
  • irritability
  • confusion
  • trouble with balance
  • impaired coordination
  • talkativeness
  • difficulty concentrating
  • joint pain
  • mood changes
  • changes in sex drive/ability

Side effects of a Xanax lollipop would depend on the amount of Xanax in the lollipop (i.e. the dosage), as well as whether the candy is laced with other drugs.

The Dangers Of Xanax Lollipops

All illicit drugs, including drugs like Xanax that are illegally manufactured, are produced without federal oversight by agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

Without this federal regulation, Xanax lollipops are subject to contain a whole host of toxic ingredients, including other drugs like ecstasy, opioid painkillers (e.g. fentanyl), or meth.

Use of a Xanax lollipop could also lead to overdose or be a sign of Xanax abuse.

Risks Of Xanax Overdose

The amount of Xanax in Xanax candies is unknown, and can vary from one candy to the next depending on how it is made.

Eating a Xanax lollipop could lead to accidental overdose, which can have life-threatening consequences.

Signs of a Xanax overdose could include: sedation, sleepiness, difficulty breathing, fainting/loss of consciousness, and severe confusion or disorientation.

Signs Of Xanax Abuse

Eating a Xanax lollipop or Xanax-soaked candy may be a sign of drug abuse. 

Without intervention, Xanax abuse can have serious effects on health and overall well-being. This can affect physical health, mental health, as well as your work or school.

Chronic Xanax misuse can also cause physical dependence on Xanax and a psychological addiction, which can make it difficult for a person to quit on their own.

Xanax dependence can cause mild to severe withdrawal symptoms such as:

  • rebound anxiety
  • panic attacks
  • insomnia
  • thoughts of self-harm/suicide
  • memory problems
  • shaking
  • sweating
  • seizures

Why Do People Make Xanax Lollipops?

Xanax is one of the most widely abused prescription drugs, alongside certain painkillers (e.g. opioids), other sedatives, and even some antidepressants.

Why Xanax is made in the form of a lollipop is unknown. Because lollipops often appeal to children, however, this can pose a particular danger for young people.

Children may be particularly susceptible to the effects of benzodiazepines in high doses, compared to adults.

Get Help For Xanax Abuse

The use of Xanax-laced candies can be a sign of substance abuse, which may require professional intervention for a person to be able to overcome.

At Bedrock Recovery Center in Massachusetts, we offer several drug treatment programs for Xanax abuse, including detox, to help people begin the process of healing from addiction.

Don’t wait. Call our helpline today to learn more about what our Xanax treatment programs can provide for you or a loved one with addiction.

  1. NBC 15 News — Experts warn parents of Xanax laced candy https://mynbc15.com/news/local/experts-warn-parents-of-xanax-laced-candy
  2. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) — Drug Fact Sheet: Benzodiazepines https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Benzodiazepenes-2020_1.pdf
  3. U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus — Alprazolam https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684001.html#overdose
  4. WLKY — More than 30 drug-laced lollipops were confiscated in Shelby County https://www.wlky.com/amp/article/more-than-30-drug-laced-lollipops-were-confiscated-in-shelby-county/26755077

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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