What are the different types of Xanax bars. How do Xanax bars affect the body. What are the signs of Xanax addiction. How dangerous is Xanax withdrawal.

Understanding Xanax Bars: Forms, Dosages, and Identification

Xanax, a widely prescribed medication for anxiety and panic disorders, comes in various forms, including the notorious “Xanax bars.” These bar-shaped pills typically contain a high dose of alprazolam, the active ingredient in Xanax. Understanding the different types of Xanax bars and their characteristics is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers.

What exactly is a Xanax bar?

A Xanax bar is a long, thin, rectangular pill that usually contains 2mg of alprazolam. This high dosage makes Xanax bars one of the strongest formulations available. Most bars are scored into four sections, allowing for easy division into smaller doses if necessary.

Common Types of Xanax Bars

• White Rectangle – 2mg
• Green Xanax – 2mg or 3mg (extended-release)
• Yellow Four-sided – 1mg

It’s important to note that while these are common forms, pharmaceutical companies may use different colors, shapes, and imprints for their Xanax products. All colorants used must be FDA-approved to ensure compliance with regulations.

The Spectrum of Xanax Formulations: Beyond the Bar

While Xanax bars are well-known, they represent just one part of the Xanax spectrum. The medication comes in various strengths and forms to accommodate different patient needs and treatment plans.

Other Common Xanax Formulations

• Blue Round – 2mg
• Blue Oval – 1mg
• Oval Orange – 0.5mg
• Round Peach – 0.5mg
• Football-shaped Peach – 0.5mg
• Oval White – 0.25mg

Each formulation is designed to provide a specific dosage, allowing healthcare providers to tailor treatment to individual patient needs. The variety of shapes and colors also aids in quick identification, which can be crucial in emergency situations.

The Green Xanax Bar: A Closer Look

Green Xanax bars have gained notoriety in both medical and recreational circles. These bars typically contain 2mg of alprazolam, though some extended-release versions may contain up to 3mg.

Are green Xanax bars more potent?

While green Xanax bars are often perceived as more potent, their strength is generally comparable to white and yellow 2mg bars. The extended-release 3mg version is an exception, offering a higher dose over a longer period. The effects of any Xanax formulation can vary significantly between individuals, emphasizing the importance of medical supervision.

Pink Xanax: The Lower-Dose Option

Pink Xanax pills represent a lower-dose option in the Xanax family. These pills typically contain 0.5mg of alprazolam, making them suitable for milder cases of anxiety or as a starting dose for new patients.

What makes pink Xanax different?

Pink Xanax pills are often round, oval, or football-shaped. Their lower dosage makes them one of the most commonly prescribed forms of Xanax for treating both panic and anxiety disorders. Despite their lower strength, pink Xanax pills still require a prescription and should only be taken under medical supervision.

The Impact of Xanax on the Brain and Body

Xanax, like other benzodiazepines, works by enhancing the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that reduces brain activity. This mechanism of action explains both its therapeutic effects and its potential for abuse.

How quickly does Xanax take effect?

Xanax is known for its rapid onset of action. Users typically feel the effects within 15 to 60 minutes after ingestion. The drug’s quick impact on the brain’s chemical balance, particularly in areas responsible for anxiety and mood regulation, contributes to its effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders. However, this rapid action also increases its potential for misuse and addiction.

What are the immediate effects of taking Xanax?

The immediate effects of Xanax can include:

• Reduced anxiety
• Feelings of calmness and relaxation
• Drowsiness
• Potential euphoria (especially at higher doses)
• Reduced muscle tension

These effects, while therapeutic when used as prescribed, can become problematic when the drug is misused or taken in high doses.

The Dark Side of Xanax: Addiction and Abuse

Despite its medical benefits, Xanax carries a significant risk of addiction and abuse. Its ability to produce feelings of calm and euphoria, especially at higher doses, makes it attractive for recreational use.

Why is Xanax so addictive?

Xanax’s addictive potential stems from several factors:

1. Rapid onset of action
2. Short half-life, leading to frequent dosing
3. Development of tolerance over time
4. Pleasurable effects, especially at high doses
5. Severe withdrawal symptoms, making it difficult to stop

These factors combine to create a high risk of both physical and psychological dependence, even when the drug is taken as prescribed.

Who is most at risk for Xanax addiction?

While anyone can develop an addiction to Xanax, certain groups are at higher risk:

• Individuals with a history of substance abuse
• People with chronic anxiety or panic disorders
• Young adults, particularly in social settings
• Individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders
• People experiencing high levels of stress or trauma

It’s crucial for healthcare providers to carefully assess these risk factors when prescribing Xanax and to monitor patients closely for signs of dependence or misuse.

Recognizing Xanax Addiction: Signs and Symptoms

Identifying Xanax addiction early can be crucial for successful intervention and treatment. While the signs can vary from person to person, there are some common indicators to watch for.

What are the behavioral signs of Xanax addiction?

Behavioral changes often accompany Xanax addiction. These may include:

• Doctor shopping (visiting multiple doctors to obtain prescriptions)
• Forging prescriptions or buying Xanax illegally
• Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
• Withdrawing from social activities and relationships
• Engaging in risky behaviors, especially while under the influence
• Becoming defensive or secretive about drug use

What physical and psychological symptoms indicate Xanax addiction?

Physical and psychological symptoms of Xanax addiction can include:

• Unexplained mood swings
• Hyperactivity or restlessness when unable to take Xanax
• Aggression or agitation
• Memory problems and difficulty concentrating
• Slurred speech or coordination problems
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Nausea or changes in appetite
• Anxiety or panic attacks when the drug wears off

If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs, it’s important to seek professional help immediately. Xanax addiction can have severe consequences if left untreated.

The Dangers of Xanax Withdrawal: A Critical Concern

Xanax withdrawal is not just uncomfortable; it can be life-threatening. Unlike some other substances, abruptly stopping Xanax use can lead to severe and dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

Why is Xanax withdrawal so dangerous?

The danger of Xanax withdrawal stems from its effect on the GABA system in the brain. When Xanax use is suddenly stopped, the brain can experience a rebound effect, leading to heightened anxiety, seizures, and other serious symptoms. This is why medical supervision is crucial during Xanax detoxification.

What are the symptoms of Xanax withdrawal?

Xanax withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Increased anxiety and panic attacks
• Insomnia
• Tremors
• Sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle pain and stiffness
• Seizures (in severe cases)
• Hallucinations
• Psychosis

The severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on factors such as the length of use, dosage, and individual physiology. In some cases, symptoms can persist for weeks or even months, a condition known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).

Treatment Options for Xanax Addiction: A Path to Recovery

Overcoming Xanax addiction requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical dependence and the underlying issues that led to substance abuse. Effective treatment typically involves a combination of medical intervention, therapy, and support.

What does medical detoxification for Xanax involve?

Medical detoxification is often the first step in treating Xanax addiction. This process involves:

1. Gradual tapering of Xanax dosage
2. Possible use of longer-acting benzodiazepines to ease withdrawal
3. Close medical monitoring for withdrawal symptoms
4. Treatment of co-occurring conditions
5. Nutritional support and hydration

The goal of medical detox is to safely manage withdrawal symptoms and prepare the individual for further treatment.

What therapeutic approaches are effective for Xanax addiction?

Once the acute withdrawal phase is complete, various therapeutic approaches can be beneficial:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Holistic approaches (e.g., mindfulness, yoga)
• 12-step programs or alternative support groups

These therapies aim to address the psychological aspects of addiction, develop coping skills, and provide ongoing support for recovery.

The Road to Recovery: Long-Term Management of Xanax Addiction

Recovery from Xanax addiction is a long-term process that extends far beyond the initial treatment phase. Successful long-term management involves ongoing support, lifestyle changes, and strategies to prevent relapse.

What strategies can help maintain long-term recovery from Xanax addiction?

Long-term recovery strategies may include:

• Continued therapy or counseling
• Regular attendance at support group meetings
• Development of healthy coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety
• Lifestyle changes to promote overall well-being
• Building a strong support network
• Addressing co-occurring mental health issues
• Learning to identify and manage triggers

It’s important to remember that recovery is a journey, and setbacks can occur. Having a comprehensive plan and support system in place can significantly improve the chances of long-term success.

How can family and friends support someone recovering from Xanax addiction?

The support of family and friends can be crucial in the recovery process. Ways to support a loved one include:

• Educating themselves about Xanax addiction and recovery
• Encouraging and participating in family therapy sessions
• Creating a supportive, drug-free environment
• Being patient and understanding of the recovery process
• Helping to identify and avoid triggers
• Encouraging healthy lifestyle choices
• Being alert to signs of potential relapse

Recovery from Xanax addiction is challenging, but with the right support and treatment, it is possible to overcome dependence and build a healthy, fulfilling life free from addiction.

Types of Xanax Bars | Southern California Sunrise

Did you know that about 21 million Americans abuse at least one type of addiction?

An important fact to know is that many Americans also abuse prescription medicine. One of these is Xanax. There are several forms of Xanax, one of which is Xanax bars.

Are you ready to know how these bars affect you? Read on and find out:

What is a Xanax Bar?

Several types of Xanax pills are available on the market. These pills have varying strengths and dosages. Alprazolam has lots of colors, shapes, and sizes.

A Xanax bar refers to the pill’s shape. It’s long and thin, containing about 2mg dosage amounts. It means most bar-shaped tablets have high doses of alprazolam.

These bars have some of the highest dosages around. The highest one is the 3mg tablet with extended-release. Often, they’ll have four sections, making it easier to break into pieces.

Here are some common Xanax bars around:

• White Rectangle – 2mg
• Green Xanax – 3mg
• Blue Round – 2mg
• Blue Oval – 1mg
• Four-sided Yellow – 1mg
• Oval Orange – 0. 5mg
• Round Peach – 0.5mg
• Football-shaped Peach – 0.5mg
• Oval white – 0.25mg

Every manufacturer designs their Xanax pill’s unique color and shape. These manufacturer uses FDA-approved colorants to comply. Knowing these colors and shapes is important when it comes to addiction.

If you suspect someone of Xanax addiction, you need only examine the colors of the bars. Check out some common bars and what they can do:

Green Xanax Bar

Several pharma companies use green for their Xanax bar products. Each manufacturer will insert their unique imprint on these pills.

In most cases, they have 2mg of Xanax. It’s around the same level compared to yellow and white bars.

As stated before, 2mg is a high dose. If you know someone taking these pills, ask if a medical professional tracks their dosage. Its effects can differ depending on the person taking it.

Pink Xanax Bar

A pink Xanax bar is one of the most common variants of the drug with 0. 5 mg alprazolam. It’s the most common dosage that experts recommend. It’s typically used for treating both panic and anxiety illnesses.

These bars are often round or oval-shaped. Sometimes, they look like footballs. Regardless of their form, pink Xanax pills are only legal when taken with a prescription.

White Xanax Bar

Some street peddlers call these bars “sticks.” They have 2mg of active alprazolam. They’re common prescription bars that most pharma companies make.

When taking a white Xanax bar, you’ll feel a strong sedative effect within minutes. It’s because the dosage is high enough. To avoid abuse, it’s better to take it with close physician supervision.

Effects of Xanax

Xanax is one of the most abused medicines around the world. One of the primary reasons is that it’s easy to obtain. It’s also desirable because it affects the brain faster rapidly.

Xanax fixates on a specific area’s chemical balance. It mainly affects the area that’s responsible for anxiety and depression.

It’s safe when taken under a physician’s recommendation or medical supervision. However, if you choose to abuse it, Xanax becomes dangerous and addictive.

Xanax Use

Although people receive benzodiazepines as a prescription drug, they do carry the risk of addiction.

People who take them at a high enough doses develop a strong addiction over a long enough period of time. At the very least, individuals with the prescription will develop a rebound effect when they stop taking Xanax. 

Addiction to Xanax can also come from recreational use.  Many people use this drug because of the state of pleasure and euphoric state that comes from it.  

From the social situation, like parties and concerts, xanax is widely used for recreational purposes rather than medical purposes.   This causes young adults to form a Xanax addiction.

Xanax Addiction and Withdrawal

Addiction to Xanax carries a lot of medical risks in the long run. Even without overdosing, using Xanax for a long time causes permanent health effects. At worst, you might suffer from brain damage.

When addiction happens, it’s a difficult ordeal to stop. It applies even when you understand the dangers associated with it. It has nothing to do with your willpower or character.

Not all drug abuse will lead to addiction. However, the longer you use a Xanax bar, the likelier it is for you to develop an addiction. Get to know the signs of addiction to Xanax to prevent them from progressing to the point of no return.

These include:

• Unexplained mood swings
• Hyperactivity and restlessness
• Increased risky behaviors
• Aggression and agitations
• Memory and concentration problems
• Other strange physical symptoms

As addiction develops, people find it impossible to live without the drug. They can get desperate enough to forge prescriptions or go to other doctors to get one. If they don’t get their dose, they might experience dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

Xanax withdrawal is dangerous and sometimes fatal. It happens when people take high dosages for extended periods. When they stop taking it instead of tapering off, these symptoms appear.

At their worst, withdrawals may cause psychosis, seizures, and urges of suicide. It can last for months or even years. It’s more likely to happen if the user already experiences anxiety and depression.

It’s common for Xanax users to have rebound anxiety, like from alcohol withdrawals. It makes their existing condition worse compared to before they started taking it.

Xanax Rehab with SoCal Sunrise

These are some things you must know about Xanax bars. If you suspect someone is overdosing on them, call for help. Never let them go down that rabbit hole and never return.

Are you looking for addiction recovery centers? Use our contact details to reach us for a free consultation.

What Color Is Xanax? – Lighthouse Treatment Center

September 2, 2020 – Drug Facts, Parent Resources – 0 Comments

With over 40 million Americans struggling with anxiety, it is no wonder why Xanax is one of the most popular drugs in the country. Xanax is an anti-anxiety medication that is a brand name for a generic drug called alprazolam. While Xanax has been found to be effective in treating anxiety symptoms, it is also known to be a drug that is highly abused. Xanax is being used as a recreational drug for its calming effects and because it has a high potential for abuse, many users end up addicted to the drug.

If you are a parent and you’re worried that your teenage son or daughter may be abusing Xanax, you might be wondering what the drug looks like. What color is Xanax? How do you know if the pills or tablets you found are Xanax or the generic version alprazolam?

Different Colors of Xanax Branded Drugs

The most popular brand of alprazolam is Xanax manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer. In popular culture, the drug has been quoted in many rap and hip-hop songs. Alprazolam pills and tablets branded as Xanax come in different colors and shapes. The appearance will depend on the strength of the specific pill. Here are the different colors of the Xanax drug.

White Xanax Oval

This Xanax pill is white in color and is oval / elliptical in shape. The strength of the drug is 0.25 mg so this is the Xanax with the lowest dose. There is an imprint that says XANAX 0.25 which can be seen on the surface of the pill.

Orange Xanax Oval

This Xanax pill is orange in color, but some refer to it as peach Xanax. Orange Xanax is also elliptical or oval in shape. It has a strength of 0.5 mg and there is a XANAX 0.5 imprint on the pill to indicate the strength.

Blue Xanax Oval

Blue Xanax is a tablet which has a strength of 1 mg, thus, the imprint XANAX 1.0 can be seen on the pill. As the name suggests, the pill is blue in color. Like the first two pills from Pfizer, it also has an oval shape.

White Xanax Bar

This is the 2 mg Xanax tablet which is more popularly known as the Xanax bar. The Xanax bar is white in color and rectangular in shape. It has an imprint of XANAX on one surface and the number 2 on the other side.

Xanax XR

Xanax XR is an extended release version of the drug. It is also manufactured by Pfizer and comes in different colors and shapes depending on the strength.

White Xanax XR pentagon – 0.5 mg; X, 0.5 pill imprint

Yellow Xanax XR square – 1 mg; X, 1 pill imprint

Blue Xanax XR round – 2 mg; X, 2 pill imprint

Green Xanax XR triangle – 3 mg; X, 3 pill imprint

Different Colors of Xanax Bars

Many people who use Xanax recreationally are familiar with Xanax bars. The bar, which has a strength of 2 mg, has lines or grooves dividing the bar into smaller sections and the purpose is for a person to divide the bar into smaller prescribed doses However, many people who abuse the drug take the entire bar or several bars at the same time.

There are different colors of Xanax bars which are manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies or manufacturers. Although they are not technically “Xanax” because they are not manufactured by Pfizer, many people use the brand name to easily identify the alprazolam bars. Below are some of the popular colors of Xanax bars that could be found.

White Xanax Bar

The white Xanax bar is the most popular Xanax bar as it is the one manufactured by Pfizer. It is white in color and has XANAX clearly printed on its pill surface. It has three lines that divides the bar into four sections.

Yellow Xanax Bar

The yellow Xanax bar is also called “school bus Xanax” because it resembles a school bus. It is a 2 mg alprazolam pill that is produced by Actavis Pharma. The yellow Xanax has three lines dividing the bar into 4 sections. You can find the imprint R039 on the surface of the pill, with each of the four characters printed on each section.

Green Xanax Bar

The green Xanax bar is also a 2 mg version of alprazolam. This pill is supplied by Dava Pharmaceuticals. Unlike the yellow or white Xanax bars, the green Xanax bar only has two grooves dividing the bar into three sections. The pill imprint is S903, with the S on the left section, the 90 on the middle, and the 3 on the right section.

Red Devil Xanax Bar

Unlike the first three Xanax bars that are manufactured by pharmaceutical companies, the Red Devil Xanax Bar is a counterfeit drug that has been dyed red. There is an imprint R666 on one side of the pill which was the reason for its nickname. Each Red Devil pill is supposed to have 5 mg of alprazolam.

White Fake Xanax Bar

Some drug dealers manufacture fake white Xanax bars and sell them as the real thing. These bars are created to look somewhat identical to the branded white Xanax bars. The drugs are usually sold on the streets or online. The danger with these drugs is that they rarely contain alprazolam, instead, they contain the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl which can be deadly.

Different Colors of Alprazolam Drugs

Alprazolam, the generic equivalent of Xanax, comes in different sizes, shapes and colors depending on the strength of the pill. You can find white, blue, green and yellow alprazolam tablets and the shape can also vary from round, triangular, oval, square, and pentagon. The imprints on the pills will also be different.

How to know if the Xanax is authentic or fake?

Alprazolam is a highly addictive drug. It should not be used recreationally or taken without a legitimate prescription. If you need to take Xanax for your anxiety issues, it is best to consult with a doctor to legally get a Xanax prescription and purchase the drug from legitimate pharmacies.

Do not self-medicate by buying drugs from social media or from untrusted sources. These counterfeit drugs could contain dangerous substances that could lead to overdose and even death.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, help is available.

Contact Lighthouse Treatment Center today.

SERS method for detecting counterfeit products

Author: Victor Section: Raman spectroscopy (Raman spectroscopy)

DEK082016

Emergence of counterfeit prescription drugs y, has become a real problem for the pharmaceutical industry. Currently counterfeit medicines are fraudulently labeled as genuine and sold as such.

These medicines usually do not contain active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and instead contain highly potent hazardous substances [1, 2]. Such preparations are often very similar to real medicines (see Fig. 1).

Several cases of overdose of counterfeit Xanax containing the potent opioid fentanyl have recently been reported in the United States [3]. Due to the prevalence of such counterfeit drugs, it is necessary to develop a methodology that will quickly identify counterfeit drugs.

Since the concentration of APIs in tablets is very low, conventional Raman spectroscopy will not work, as it will not be possible to determine these substances from the tablet surface due to insufficient sensitivity to very low concentrations.

This article describes the development of the SERS method (enhanced surface Raman spectroscopy) for the determination of low doses of the active substance alprazolam (<0.2%) in Xanax tablets using a handheld Raman spectrometer. If the characteristic peaks of alprazolam are not detected when using the SERS method, then the Xanax tablet is considered a fake.

This work demonstrates the potential of the SERS method to rapidly detect the presence of alprazolam in a tablet in order to identify counterfeit products.

Xanax is a pharmaceutical preparation containing alprazolam as an API (see Fig. 1b). It is used to treat panic disorders. Typically, a Xanax tablet may contain 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg of alprazolam. Other components such as cellulose, corn starch, sodium docusate, lactose, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide and sodium benzoate are excipients or inactive components [4].

Fentanyl – is synthetic drug (see Fig. 1c). Considered the strongest pain reliever on the pharmaceutical market (50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine [5]), fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain or as part of anesthesia to help relieve pain after surgery or other medical procedures. Increasingly, fentanyl is produced illegally and sold on the streets under the guise of heroin or Xanax and is fatal due to overdose. Due to the high activity of fentanyl, substances containing this drug are most often found on the street in the form of salts of acetyl fentanyl or fentanyl citrate.

Fig. 1. Real (left) and fake (right) Xanax tablets containing alprazolam (b) and fentanyl (c) as API.

Experiment

The TacticID-GP handheld Raman spectrometer from BWTek with a laser excitation wavelength of 785 nm and a special TacPac adapter for SERS measurements were used in the experiment (see figure below).

Fig. 2. TacticID-GP handheld Raman spectrometer with TacPac adapter.

The samples tested in this experiment were alprazolam 0.25 mg xanax tablets purchased from a pharmacy and fentanyl tablets provided by the Nashua City Police Department’s Immigration Division, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, USA.

Approximately a quarter of Xanax tablets (≈ 30 mg) were placed in a plastic vial. After that, 0.5 ml of acetone was added to the same tube. Then the test tube was shaken until the tablets were completely dissolved in acetone and the mixture looked like a cloud-like substance. Next, special paper SERS substrates were placed in this substance for some time for better interaction with it (about 30 seconds). These substrates were placed in a special TacPac adapter and analyzed using TacticID-GP. To increase the accuracy and reproducibility of measurements, each SERS substrate was analyzed at three different points. The signal accumulation time was in the range of 15–30 seconds.

Results

Direct measurement of Xanax

Figure 3 shows the Raman spectra obtained by direct contact of the instrument with the surface of a Xanax tablet (a) and a lactose tablet (b). Observed characteristic peaks at 356 cm ^-1 , 436 cm ^-1 , 476 cm ^-1 , 1088 cm ^-1 , 1120 cm ^-1 and 1264 cm 90 057 -1 coincided for both spectra. No peaks characteristic of alprazolam were observed.

Measurement in direct contact with the surface of a Xanax tablet using TacticID-GP produced a correlation result for the spectrum of lactose with an HQI quality of fit of 86.7 (the maximum HQI value can be as high as 100). This showed that the measurement by this method cannot provide reliable information about the content of alprazolam in Xanax.

Fig. Fig. 3. Raman spectra of Xanax (blue, (a)) and lactose (red, (b)) tablets in direct surface measurements.

Detection of alprazolam in xanax

Figure 4 shows the Raman spectrum of pure alprazolam (a) and the SERS spectrum of xanax (b). Observed characteristic peaks at 688 cm ^-1 , 1000 cm ^-1 , 1132 cm ^-1 , 1160 cm ^-1 , 1312 cm ^-1 and 1380 cm ^-1 , 1484 cm ^{– 1} , 1568 cm ^-1 and 1592 cm ^-1 for the SERS spectrum correspond to the peaks of the spectrum of pure alprazolam. Figure 5 shows Raman SERS spectra of Xanax tablet excipients. Due to the poor solubility of the components in acetone, their SERS spectra lack the characteristic peaks observed in the SERS spectrum of Xanax.

Although the mass fraction of alprazolam is < 0.2%, analysis by the SERS method can significantly improve the Raman signal of this API, although the component of excipients is represented by a higher concentration. This remark demonstrates the high selectivity of the method for the determination of API and its suitability for the determination of low concentrations of substances.

Fig. Fig. 4. Raman spectrum of pure alprazolam (red, (a)) and SERS spectrum of xanax (blue, (b)).

Fig. 5. Raman SERS spectra of Xanax tablet excipients.

Fentanyl detection

The SERS method was also used to detect fentanyl in Xanax tablets. Figure 6 shows the SERS spectra of fentanyl and alprazolam. Two characteristic peaks at 1000 cm ^-1 and at 1029 cm ^-1 are common to the SERS spectra of both fentanyl and alprazolam. However, the spectrum of alprazolam also has characteristic peaks at 688 cm ^-1 , 1484 cm ^-1 , 1568 cm ^-1 and 1592 cm ^-1 , which are not observed in the spectrum of fentanyl. With proper spectral analysis, these spectra can be distinguished from each other, despite the fact that both substances have several common characteristic peaks. In order to identify counterfeits, you can be guided by the following rule: if the SERS spectrum of the analyzed Xanax tablet does not have all the characteristic peaks of alprazolam, then it can be considered a fake.

Fig. Fig. 6. SERS spectra of fentanyl (a) and alprazolam (b).

Xanax Identification

To compare the spectra, a coefficient correlation algorithm was used to determine the unknown spectrum from a reference spectrum from the library. The correlation coefficient HQI (quality of fit index) for the unknown spectra with respect to the reference library spectrum was calculated from the least squares scalar product of the average value at the center of the unknown and library spectra using the following formula:

,

where A is the reference spectrum from the library,

B is the currently unknown, currently measured spectrum

The HQI value can be in the range 0 – 100 (100 corresponds to the complete match of the reference and measured spectra). The table below shows the results of the measurements of the studied components and their HQI agreement with the library spectra (the spectrum of each component was obtained with an average of 3):

Table 1: Measurement results of

Conclusion

In this experiment, the SERS method Raman spectroscopy was developed and validated to detect low concentrations of alprazolam in Xanax tablets. The method showed high sensitivity and selectivity in the determination of alprazolam despite its low concentration. The portable TacticID-GP Raman spectrometer used during the experiment proved to be suitable for determining the differences between the SERS spectra of alprazolam and other components of Xanax. In order to identify counterfeits, you can be guided by the following rule: if the SERS spectrum of the analyzed Xanax tablet does not have all the characteristic peaks of alprazolam, then the tablet can be considered a fake.

This spectrometer is also capable of detecting the SERS spectrum of fentanyl, allowing it to be recorded when it is used instead of alprazolam. The sample preparation procedure for analysis is very simple and can be easily performed by the end user (even those who have no theoretical and/or practical knowledge of SERS Raman spectroscopy).

The ability to quickly detect the presence of alprazolam or other hazardous substances in Xanax tablets is an essential tool for law enforcement and the pharmaceutical industry to combat the proliferation of counterfeit products. Thus, it can be concluded that 9The 0029 TacticID-GP handheld Raman spectrometer is the ideal tool for this and similar applications.

Links

1. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/CounterfeitMedicine/
2. https://addictionresource.com/drugs/the-dangers-of-fentanyl/
3. https://www.dea.gov/docs/Counterfeit Prescription Pills.pdf
4. https://www.xanax.com/
5. https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/fentanyl

Detailed specifications of the TacticID-GP portable analyzer

Countries where drugs are legalized. Help

The Global Commission on Drug Policy, which includes former and current high-ranking UN representatives, in June 2011 recommended that countries experiment with the legal regulation of certain types of drugs that are eligible for possible legalization in order to combat drug trafficking .

The following information is provided for countries where certain types of drugs are legalized to some extent.

Australia

Marijuana laws vary greatly from state to state. In Western Australia, possession and private use of a small amount of marijuana is allowed (up to 2 plants, for excess – a fine), in the Australian Capital Territory, possession of up to 25 g is allowed (for excess – a fine), in South Australia, New South Wales and Tasmania, possession of hashish is also considered to be a minor violation.

Argentina

In August 2009, the Argentine Supreme Court decriminalized possession of marijuana in small amounts. Previously, the use and possession of marijuana and cigarettes containing marijuana was punishable in Argentina with imprisonment of up to two years.

Belgium

In 1998, it was decided to classify marijuana as a soft drug and to reduce the persecution of its users to a minimum. In 2003, Parliament passed a law legalizing soft drugs.

In practice, the use of marijuana by adult citizens of the country is one of the most minor violations from the point of view of the police. However, a marijuana user will be prosecuted if they violate public order as a result. It is forbidden to smoke in public places, possession of more than 3 grams or sale. The use of cannabis (hemp) for medical purposes is allowed.

United Kingdom

In July 2002, a decision was made to move marijuana from class B to class C. This means that possession of small amounts of cannabis and its derivatives will not be considered a crime. However, the police reserved the right to arrest marijuana users in “serious” cases, such as smoking marijuana in front of children.

Germany

The consumption of medical cannabis is legal, possession of small amounts is treated differently in different federal states. In most cases, possession of less than 5 grams of marijuana is not prosecuted. Since November 2007, some patients have begun to receive exemptions from their local health authorities to use medical marijuana.

Canada

In 2001, marijuana smoking for medical purposes was legal. In the country, you can legally grow and smoke cannabis, although for this the smoker must obtain a doctor’s opinion that he is seriously ill and special permission from government agencies.

The permit is issued to terminally ill patients suffering from various forms of cancer, AIDS, arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

Mexico

Since August 2009, possession and transportation of 2 grams of opium, 50 milligrams of heroin, 5 grams of marijuana, 500 milligrams of cocaine, 40 milligrams of methamphetamines and 0.015 milligrams of LSD is legally allowed.

Only those persons who are found to have drugs in excess of the established norms will be subject to criminal prosecution. With regard to people who were detained with drugs for “personal use”, but not exceeding the norms established by law, preventive measures will be taken. In particular, they will be offered voluntary and free drug addiction treatment.

The Netherlands

One of the few countries where drugs are officially divided into “light” and “hard”.

Possession of “soft” drugs in the amount of not more than 30 g is not punishable by law, any transactions with “hard” drugs are severely punished.

In the major cities of the Netherlands, such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and others, coffee shops are open that have official permission to sell marijuana, hallucinogenic mushrooms and other soft drugs. The organization of licensed coffeeshops was designed to protect soft drug users from hard drug addicts.

US A

In the US, the federal government does not recognize any legal use of marijuana. At the same time, since 1996, Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Nevada, Oregon and Washington have passed laws allowing the use of marijuana as a remedy. In some US states (Maryland, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Vermont) this is allowed with various stipulations. The US National Institutes of Health has also recommended the use of cannabis for certain medical conditions in its recommendations.