Is Xanax a Barbiturate?

Xanax is a widely prescribed medication for anxiety disorders and panic disorders. When receiving a Xanax prescription, people often wonder about the composition of the medication. Is Xanax a barbiturate? It is sometimes confused as to whether it’s a benzodiazepine or a different class of sedative drugs. Let’s talk about Xanax and whether it’s a barbiturate or benzodiazepine.

What Is Xanax?

Xanax is the brand name for the medication alprazolam. However, alprazolam is a Schedule IV Controlled Substance because it has a high risk of being abused. Thus, it’s illegal in the United States to possess Xanax without a prescription from a medical professional. Yet, people commonly source Xanax through illicit methods, such as buying it online. To clarify, Xanax is not a barbiturate but a benzodiazepine.

What Does Xanax Treat?

The prescription medication is most commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders, which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves its usage for. Sometimes, it’s prescribed for insomnia and depression, depending on the person and their history of medicine use.

Benzodiazepine Addiction

Addiction is a prevalent issue with benzodiazepine abuse. When used legally as prescribed, your doctor will monitor your dose and help you avoid dependence. Similarly, they can recommend a plan to help you wean off the medication when needed. However, recreational and illegal Xanax use can easily lead to an addiction to the strong effects of the drug.

Stats and Facts About Xanax Abuse

Unfortunately, Xanax is widely prescribed but also widely abused. In fact, alprazolam, the ingredient in Xanax, is the most prescribed psychotropic medicine in the U.S. Studies estimate that Xanax is misused about 20 percent of the time.

What Are Barbiturates?

Barbiturates are depressant medications that have multiple medical uses. They belong to the sedative-hypnotic class of drugs. Some of their uses include treating seizures, insomnia, muscle spasms, and anxiety. The FDA has approved many barbiturate brands. Yet, barbiturates are less common as prescription medications than benzodiazepines because barbiturates have a higher overdose risk. Yet, they are considered a potent back-up drug when other options don’t work. As mentioned, barbiturates have a high risk of abuse. They can be sourced illicitly under one of the many barbiturates street names. These include barbs, blockbusters, goofballs, and yellow jackets.

How Do Barbiturates Work?

Barbiturates increase the brain chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has a calming effect on the central nervous system (CNS). Some of the effects barbiturates can have on the body are sleepiness, relaxation, or mild euphoria. Mainly, misusing barbiturates results in feelings of drowsiness and intoxication, although sometimes it can produce a gentle high.

Are Barbiturates Addictive?

Yes, barbiturates have a strong addictive tendency because they modify the brain to desire the drug. By activating chemical messengers in the brain, barbiturates lead to dependency over time. At this stage, you experience a constant need for more. Just as with any addictive substance, the brain begins to function more normally while on the drug than without. The only option is to detox in a treatment facility.

Most Common Barbiturates

Some barbiturates are more commonly prescribed than others. They range from ultra-short-acting to long-acting formulas:

• Phenobarbital (Luminal)
• Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
• Sodium Pentothal (Trapanal)
• Amobarbital
• Butalbital
• Methohexital
• Primidone
• Secobarbital (Seconal)