Most Common Xanax (Alprazolam) Street Names

Xanax, which is the brand name for alprazolam, is a prescription drug in a class of medications known as benzodiazepines (benzos).

Xanax is typically prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders but is sometimes used to treat other health conditions, such as insomnia.

Although commonly prescribed in the field of mental health, Xanax is considered a habit-forming medication. This can result in Xanax abuse and misuse.

Find some of the popular and less common Xanax street names below.

Popular Xanax Nicknames

Xanax’s most popular street names are mostly derived from its name and the various shapes it comes in, such as the rectangular “bar” form.

While people may come up with their own unique nicknames for Xanax, there are some street names for the drug that are widespread.

Some common alprazolam street names include:

• xannies or zannies
• bars
• z-bars
• xanbars or zanbars
• handlebars
• x or z
• xans and zans

Less Common Street Names For Xanax

In addition to the popularized street names, there are other nicknames that are based on Xanax’s desired effects or puns on the name of the drug.

A few of these Xanax street names include:

• chill pills
• happy bars
• upjohns
• zebras
• zanzibar
• xylophone

Street Names For Benzodiazepines In General

Benzodiazepines are addictive and are often sold illegally. Some familiar benzos include Valium (diazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam).

There are also nicknames that refer to any benzodiazepine and, as for Xanax, others that refer to specific benzos.

Here are some nicknames for specific benzodiazepines and benzos in general:

• Klonopin: k-pin, super Valium
• Valium: vallies, yellow v
• Ativan: candy
• other street names for benzos: tranks or tranqs, downers, nerve pills

Xanax Street Names By Appearance

Xanax comes in pill, tablet, or liquid form. The tablets come in two forms: those that dissolve in the mouth and those that are swallowed whole. Much of the illegal drug use involves the pill form.

There are a few distinct Xanax pills that are commonly distributed. The 2 milligram (mg) pills are white and rectangular, and the 0.25 and 0.5 mg pills are white or peach ovals.

The 1 mg pills, which are popular for recreational substance use, are blue ovals. These appearances have sparked a range of related street names for alprazolam.

Some appearance-based Xanax nicknames are:

• footballs
• blue footballs
• school buses or yellow school bus
• white boys and white girls
• bicycle parts
• planks
• yellow boys
• totem poles

Risks And Effects When Using Xanax

Xanax works as a central nervous system depressant. If it is not taken as directed by a healthcare professional, the risk of addiction increases.

Once a tolerance to Xanax develops, withdrawal symptoms can be severe. It’s recommended to detox from and taper off Xanax with medical supervision at a treatment center.

People who take Xanax for recreational purposes are also at a much higher risk for overdoses, particularly if they combine Xanax with other drugs or alcohol.

Some common side effects of Xanax include:

• drowsiness
• coordination problems
• muscle twitches and tremors
• changes in respiratory rates
• difficulty concentrating
• slurred speech

In addition to the common side effects of Xanax, use of the drug has been known to cause irritability, confusion, memory lapses, and disturbed sleep patterns.

Like opioids, Xanax sold on the street is often cut with other substances, including the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl. This greatly increases the risk of overdose.

Seeking Help For A Xanax Addiction

If you hear a loved one using street names for Xanax and worry that they may be experiencing drug abuse, Spring Hill Recovery Center is here to help.

Our substance abuse treatment options include drug and alcohol detox, evidence-based addiction therapy, and aftercare recovery support.

To learn more about our inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment programs, call our helpline to speak to a recovery specialist.