Xanax has several layers of identifiers that help medical professionals, pharmacists, and patients properly distinguish and track the medication. From its generic name to regulatory codes, understanding these details is key to patient safety and verifying the authenticity of the drug.
The Generic Name: Alprazolam
One of the most fundamental identifiers for Xanax is its generic name: alprazolam. This is the active pharmaceutical ingredient that is consistent regardless of the brand. Many pharmaceutical companies manufacture generic alprazolam tablets, which can look different from the brand-name Xanax but have the same active ingredient and therapeutic effect. Understanding that Xanax and alprazolam are the same drug is the first step in identifying the medication accurately.
Alprazolam is a member of the triazolobenzodiazepine class of central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Its primary mechanism of action involves enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which calms the central nervous system. This helps to relieve symptoms of anxiety and panic.
Pill Identifiers: Imprints, Shapes, and Colors
For oral tablets, a crucial identifier is the physical appearance, which includes imprints, shapes, and colors. These physical markings are often dependent on the dosage and manufacturer.
- White Tablets: Common white alprazolam tablets include oval-shaped pills with imprints like “XANAX 0.25” or “G3719” for the 0.25 mg dosage. The well-known 2 mg “Xanax bar” is rectangular, multi-scored, and may have imprints like “X ANA X 2” or “G3722”.
- Peach/Orange Tablets: The 0.5 mg alprazolam tablets are often oval or football-shaped and peach or orange in color. Imprints can include “XANAX 0.5” or “G3720”.
- Blue Tablets: A 1 mg dose of alprazolam is frequently an oval or round blue tablet. Imprints to look for might be “XANAX 1.0,” “G3721,” or “B707”.
- Green Tablets: Like the blue variety, green alprazolam tablets are typically 1 mg to 3 mg and can be oval, round, or rectangular. The 2 mg bar, often produced by Dava Pharmaceuticals, may feature the imprint “S903”.
Chemical Identifiers
At the chemical level, Xanax (alprazolam) is identified by several scientific descriptors:
- Chemical Name: 8-Chloro-1-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-s-triazolo [4,3-α] [1,4] benzodiazepine.
- Chemical Formula: $C{17}H{13}ClN_4$.
- CAS Registry Number: 28981-97-7. This unique number is a powerful identifier used in chemical databases globally. The NIST WebBook provides detailed information on alprazolam, including its structural formula.
Regulatory Identifiers: NDC and DEA Schedule
Regulatory identifiers are critical for commercial and legal identification. These are managed by federal agencies such as the FDA and DEA.
- National Drug Code (NDC): The NDC is a unique 10- or 11-digit, three-segment number assigned to human drug products by the FDA. It is a universal product identifier for all prescription and over-the-counter drugs in the United States. For example, some Xanax and generic alprazolam products have NDCs like 0009-0029 (for brand-name Xanax from Pfizer) or 65162-0810 (for generic alprazolam from Amneal Pharmaceuticals).
- DEA Controlled Substance Schedule: The DEA classifies Xanax as a Schedule IV controlled substance. This classification indicates that it has a low potential for abuse relative to Schedule III substances but can still be habit-forming. Its schedule influences how it is prescribed, dispensed, and refilled, and it is a key legal identifier.
Identifying Counterfeit Xanax
Because of its potential for abuse, Xanax is frequently counterfeited, and recognizing fake pills is a critical safety issue. Counterfeit pills may contain dangerous substances like fentanyl and can be deadly.
Warning signs of counterfeit Xanax include:
- Unusual Colors: Authentic Xanax bars are typically white, yellow, or green. A red Xanax, for example, is not produced by any legitimate pharmaceutical company and is likely a fake.
- Incorrect Markings: Mismatched or faded imprints, and unusual numbering or logo designs, can indicate a counterfeit pill.
- Irregular Texture and Appearance: Authentic tablets have a consistent texture and shape. Counterfeit pills may have rough edges, speckles of mixed colors, or appear to be poorly pressed.
- Unexpected Taste: Fake Xanax might have an off-putting taste due to incorrect ingredients.
Conclusion
The identifier for Xanax is not a single code but a combination of its generic and brand names, physical characteristics, and regulatory information. From its generic name, alprazolam, to specific pill imprints and the NDC, each identifier serves a unique purpose in confirming its identity. Most importantly, awareness of these details is essential for distinguishing genuine medication from dangerous counterfeits, protecting both patients and the public. Anyone with concerns about the authenticity of their medication should consult with a pharmacist or healthcare provider. For more information on drug identification, the U.S. National Library of Medicine offers comprehensive resources through its DailyMed database.
Comparison Table: Identifiers for Brand vs. Generic
| Identifier Category | Brand Name (Xanax) | Generic (Alprazolam) |
|---|---|---|
| Generic Name | Alprazolam | Alprazolam |
| Manufacturer | Primarily Pfizer | Varies (e.g., Sandoz, Actavis) |
| Tablet Imprints | Typically includes “XANAX” and dosage (e.g., XANAX 1.0) | Alphanumeric codes unique to manufacturer (e.g., G3721) |
| Physical Appearance | Distinctive imprints, consistent color/shape for dosage | Varies more widely in color, shape, and imprint by manufacturer |
| FDA Regulatory Identifier | Includes unique NDC for brand-name products | Each generic manufacturer has their own unique NDC |
Common Indications and Side Effects
Indications for Alprazolam/Xanax:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in adults
- Panic Disorder (PD) with or without agoraphobia in adults
Common Side Effects of Alprazolam/Xanax:
- Drowsiness
- Light-headedness
- Impaired coordination
- Memory impairment
- Slurred speech
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Difficulty concentrating
