Xanax Laced with Fentanyl: Things to Know
Legacy Healing Center Blog
Learn the dangers of Xanax laced with fentanyl.
Xanax has become one of the most popular drugs in our current history, but in recent times, pills laced with fentanyl are proving to have deadly consequences. The drug Xanax is considered an anti-anxiety medication, and in the past two decades, prescriptions for this medicine have risen more than 66 percent.
However, adults aren’t the only ones drawn to the drugs in hopes of experiencing its relaxing effects. Teenagers are becoming one of the biggest populations when it comes to getting their hands on Xanax…either by finding prescriptions around the home (prescribed to a family member) or purchasing it at school or on the street.
No matter what age the user of the Xanax is, what they may not be aware of is if they are getting Xanax from somewhere other than a physician, they may be purchasing Xanax laced with fentanyl. Pills that do have fentanyl added to them will often look the same but can have a variety of serious health concerns.
The user will not know if there is actually Xanax in the pill and will not know where or how the pill was manufactured and what else was added to it. People who manufacture Xanax laced with fentanyl often do so because it gives users a stronger high, and dealers can charge more money for it because it gets the user higher than just a typical Xanax pill.
Pills laced with fentanyl are one of the most dangerous drugs out there. Fentanyl falls under the category of a synthetic opioid and is 100 times stronger than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin.
What you may not know about fentanyl is how little of the drug is needed for a fatal overdose. Just three to five grains (think of grains of salt) can cause a fatality. Someone who ingests pills laced with fentanyl may feel the euphoric feelings and fall asleep and never wake up.
Side Effects of Fake Xanax
On the street, Xanax is often called Xannies, Zannies, bars, blue footballs, or handlebars. When someone takes Xanax laced with fentanyl, they can experience a variety of severe and dangerous side effects including:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hives or itching
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Shallow or slowed breathing
- Respiratory depression
You may remember when superstar musician Prince passed away in his home, which was later linked to the use of fentanyl and how he experienced respiratory depression from the drug. When someone purchases pills laced with fentanyl such as Xanax, they are putting their life at risk as they have no way of knowing exactly what is in that pill.
It is estimated that almost 80 percent of fake fentanyl or Xanax laced with fentanyl pills come from overseas, made in countries including China, India and Mexico. Anyone purchasing pills off the street is putting his or her life and health in jeopardy, in addition to putting themselves at risk for drug abuse and addiction.
If you or someone you love is struggling with a Xanax addiction and is at risk for seeking out pills laced with fentanyl on the street, reach out to the addiction specialists at Legacy Healing Center. Call us today at 888-597-3547.