5 Things to Know About Liquid Xanax


One of the most popular medications that can help treat a variety of anxiety disorders is known as Xanax. Sadly, this medication that is truly helpful for some patients has long been associated with relaxation, euphoria, and is subject to abuse. One of the newest forms of Xanax on the market is known as liquid Xanax, and it can be either a helpful tool or a dangerous substance in the wrong hands.

1. Xanax is a Benzodiazepine

Xanax is a medication that falls under the category of benzodiazepines. It is also known as Alprazolam. This is a medication that has been approved by the FDA since 1981 for the treatment of:

  • Anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Depression
  • Insomnia

and other co-occurring disorders such as PTSD. However, it has been used since 1955 to help people with panic disorder. 

Xanax is a scheduled IV controlled substance, meaning it is available only by prescription and has the potential to be misused. 

2. Xanax is Different than Other Benzos

Xanax, like most other benzodiazepines, can treat anxiety and panic by acting on the central nervous system to induce feelings of relaxation. It acts as a sedative, including feelings of:

  • Calm
  • Euphoria
  • Sleepiness
  • Dizziness

However, unlike other benzodiazepines, Xanax has a shorter onset and is not as fast-acting.

Nevertheless, it is one of the most prescribed drugs at number 10 out of the 50 most prescribed drugs in the United States. Sadly, this means many people can have access to this widely available drug, opening up the door to potential abuse. 

3. Liquid Xanax Has Medical Uses

Liquid Xanax is also known as Alprazolam Intensol. It is commonly used to help people who cannot easily swallow Xanax ingest it more easily. Alprazolam Intensol can be mixed into other foods, such as apple sauces and custards. In a hospital setting, Alprazolam Intensol can also be used to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety in patients who cannot ingest it orally, such as putting it through a g-tube.

Alprazolam Intensol is only available as a prescription, and comes in a brown vial. Doses range from 0.75 mg/ml to 2 mg/ ml, depending on what a doctor orders for a patient and their level of anxiety. 

4. There are Dangerous Knockoffs Available

Unfortunately, liquid alprazolam is just one of many forms of liquid Xanax that is now misused and abused. Blogs online abound of people using liquid alprzolam to make "candy." This is the practice of soaking candy, such as sour patches or hardcandy, in the solution in an effort to get a "high" effect off of it. 

In addition to liquid alprazolam, one drug is emerging that is incredibly dangerous and becoming more popular among youth and teen drug abuse. This drug is known as Etizolam. Although this is a street-legal and legitimate drug used for anxiety treatment in Japan, Italy, and India, it is not approved for use in the United States.

Street versions/ Street names

Other street names for etizolam and liquid alprazolam include:

  • Ettize
  • Liquid Bliss
  • CD Cleaner
  • Benzos
  • Downers

5. Liquid Xanax and Benzos can be Dangerous

Liquid Alprazolam and liquid etizolam both have the potential for misuse, as do all benzodiazepines. Due to liquid Xanax being easily mixed in with foods, this increases the risk of overdose. Alprazolam has also been found to be slightly more toxic and potentially dangerous than other benzos. Signs of overdose include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Slowed breathing
  • Slowed heart rate
  • Low blood pressure
  • Weakness
  • Extreme dizziness
  • Coma
  • Impaired memory

In addition to overdose, liquid benzodiapines also carry the risk of addiction. Studies have shown that people with past substance abuse and mental health issues are likely to use benzodiazepines like liquid Xanax in combination with other drugs to increase its effects. This can be fatal if combined with alcohol and opiates.

Getting Help

If you need help overcoming substance use disorder, Chapman House can help. Through medical detox, counseling, and treatment for co-occurring disorders, you can learn to stop abusing benzodiazepines and begin to live your best sober life.


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