Understanding What are the code names for Xanax?

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

With alprazolam, sold under the brand name Xanax, being one of the most commonly misused prescription drugs, a multitude of street names and code words have emerged for illicit use. This guide helps to demystify what are the code names for Xanax by breaking down the terminology used in the black market.

Quick Summary

Xanax, also known as alprazolam, is referred to by many different street names based on its appearance, effects, and manufacturer. The terminology often indicates illegal or recreational use, highlighting the dangers of misuse and the prevalence of counterfeit versions.

Key Points

Appearance-Based Names: Many Xanax code names, like 'bars' and 'footballs,' are derived from the pills' shape and color, which often indicate specific dosages.
Abbreviated Aliases: Common street names such as 'xannies,' 'zannies,' and 'xans' are shortened versions of the brand name Xanax.
Generic and Manufacturer-Based Terms: Terms like 'Upjohn' and 'yellow school bus' refer to the original manufacturer or specific generic versions of the drug.
Class and Effect Aliases: General slang like 'benzos,' 'downers,' and 'chill pills' refer to Xanax and other drugs in the benzodiazepine class based on their sedative effects.
Counterfeit Pill Dangers: Fake versions of Xanax, sometimes called 'red devils,' pose a severe risk as they can contain other dangerous substances, including fentanyl.
Misuse Indication: The use of code names is a strong indicator of drug misuse or illegal acquisition, often concealing the habit from loved ones and healthcare providers.

What Are the Code Names for Xanax?

Xanax, the brand name for the benzodiazepine alprazolam, is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. However, its sedative effects have made it a target for widespread misuse, leading to the development of an extensive and constantly evolving lexicon of street names. These aliases can refer to the drug's physical appearance, its effects, or are simply shortened or blended versions of the name itself. Understanding these code names is crucial for healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and concerned family members to identify potential drug misuse. The use of slang allows for discreet discussion, further concealing illegal activity and the inherent risks involved, such as the increasing prevalence of dangerous counterfeit pills.

Code Names Based on Appearance

Many of the most popular code names for Xanax are directly derived from the pills' shape and color. This makes them easy to identify in the illicit drug market and often signals specific dosages to buyers.

“Bars” and Other Rectangular Forms

The most recognizable form of Xanax on the street is the rectangular, multi-scored 2mg tablet. These have inspired many of the most common street names.

Bars/Xanax Bars/Xanbars: The most widely used term, referring to the distinctive shape of the high-dose tablet.
Z-Bars: Comes from the 'Z' imprint found on certain generic versions.
Hulk/Green Monster: Refers to the green-colored 2mg bars.
School Bus/Yellow Bus: Denotes the yellow-colored 2mg bars.
Ladders/White Ladders: Refers to the scoring lines on white rectangular tablets.
Planks/Sticks: Other names referencing the elongated, rectangular shape.

“Footballs” and Other Ovals

Smaller, lower-dose tablets are typically oval or football-shaped, leading to another set of common code names.

Footballs: A general term for oval-shaped tablets, typically 0.25mg to 1mg.
Blue Footballs: Specific to the 1mg blue oval tablets.
Peaches: Refers to the 0.5mg peach-colored oval pills.

Counterfeit and Dangerous Variants

Some code names denote illicitly manufactured or extremely high-potency versions. For example, “red devil” or “red bars” refer to dangerous, unregulated counterfeit pills, often containing other substances like fentanyl.

Code Names Based on the Drug Name and Class

Xannies/Zannies: Simple phonetic abbreviations of the brand name.
Xans/Zans: Further shortened versions.
Benzos: A broad term for the entire class of drugs, benzodiazepines, of which Xanax is a member.
Upjohn: A throwback name referencing the original pharmaceutical company that produced Xanax.

Code Names Based on Effects

Some slang terms refer to the sedative and anxiety-reducing effects of Xanax.

Chill Pills/Nerve Pills: Terms that describe the calming sensation caused by the drug.
Downers/Tranks: General slang for depressant and tranquilizer drugs.

Understanding the Dangers of Xanax Code Names

The existence of numerous code names points to the significant problem of Xanax misuse. These aliases serve to obscure the nature of the drug and the dangerous activity surrounding its illegal trade. The biggest threat comes from counterfeit pills sold on the street. These fake versions may look identical to legitimate prescription Xanax but can contain wildly inconsistent and potentially fatal dosages of alprazolam or, more alarmingly, be laced with powerful opioids like fentanyl. Purchasing and consuming any medication outside of a legitimate pharmacy is an extreme risk that can lead to overdose or death. The DEA has issued strong warnings about the prevalence of counterfeit pills, including those masquerading as Xanax.

Common Xanax Code Names by Pill Description


Pill Description	Common Street Name(s)	Dosage (Typical)	Associated Risk(s)
White, rectangular, multi-scored	Bars, White Ladders	2 mg	High potency, often illicit
Yellow, rectangular, multi-scored	School Bus, Yellow Boys	2 mg	High potency, often illicit
Green, rectangular/triangular	Hulk, Green Monster	2-3 mg	High potency, variable content
Blue, oval (“football”)	Blue Footballs, Blues	1 mg	Risk of being counterfeit
White, oval	White Boys/White Girls	0.25 mg	Low dose, risk of being counterfeit
Peach/Orange, oval	Peaches	0.5 mg	Moderate dose, risk of being counterfeit
Red, rectangular, often with R666 imprint	Red Devils	Variable (5 mg+)	Counterfeit, extreme overdose risk

Conclusion

The proliferation of code names for Xanax is a direct consequence of its widespread misuse and illicit distribution. From descriptive terms like 'bars' and 'footballs' to broader class-based aliases like 'benzos,' these names serve as a secret language that complicates efforts to address the public health crisis of prescription drug abuse. The rise of counterfeit pills, in particular, has added a deadly layer of risk, making the identification of these code names more important than ever. Awareness is the first step toward recognizing potential misuse and seeking help. Resources like the DEA's diversion control program are available to provide information and support.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Diversion Control Division

Frequently Asked Questions

The generic name for the prescription medication Xanax is alprazolam, which is a fast-acting tranquilizer belonging to the benzodiazepine class of drugs.

'Bars' typically refer to the higher-dose, rectangular, multi-scored 2mg tablets of Xanax or generic alprazolam. 'Footballs' are the lower-dose, oval-shaped tablets, typically 0.25mg to 1mg.

People use code names and street slang for Xanax, such as 'xannies' or 'bars,' to discuss and transact the drug discreetly in illicit and non-medical settings, avoiding medical terms that could raise suspicion.

The color of a legitimate Xanax pill indicates the manufacturer and dosage. For instance, yellow 'school bus' bars and white bars often refer to 2mg tablets made by specific companies. However, in the illicit market, colors can be unreliable and signal counterfeit products.

Purchasing illicit Xanax, often via code names, is extremely dangerous because there is no guarantee of the pill's content or dosage. Counterfeit versions are common and have been found to contain lethal amounts of other substances, like fentanyl.

A 'hulk' is a common street name for a green Xanax bar, often a 2mg or 3mg tablet. The term refers to both the color and its perceived high potency.

Yes, common street names for benzodiazepines in general, which include Xanax, are 'benzos,' 'downers,' 'tranks,' and 'chill pills'.