Mexican Xanax Bars (Farmapram)

By Ioana Cozma

Last updated: 19 October 2023 & medically reviewed by Morgan Blair

What is Farmapram or Mexican Xanax?

Farmapram is the Mexican brand name for a substance called alprazolam, going by the product name Xanax in the US. As such, Farmapram pills are also called Mexican Xanax or Mexican Xanax bars.^[1]

This substance is a benzodiazepine and its main function is treating mental health issues like anxiety and panic disorder. However, the disinhibitory, euphoric effects of Farmapram or Xanax have led to the medication being widely misused recreationally.[2]

Does Farmapram differ from Xanax?

Yes, Farmapram differs from Xanax in terms of manufacturing, which has further implications for these drugs’ quality, side effects, safety profiles, and risks.

Manufacturing and approval

Alprazolam is the active ingredient with sedative effects in both Farmapram and Xanax. However:

• Xanax is produced by Pfizer: The drug has been extensively researched, tested, and approved by regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

• Farmapram is the brand name for alprazolam manufactured in Mexico: There may be some differences in regulatory standards for its pharmaceutical manufacturing, given that Mexican health regulatory bodies set Farmapram’s standards.

Metabolization rate and effects

 Xanax and Farmapram are manufactured by different brands, so their inactive ingredients or fillers may also differ.

The result is a different absorption rate, thus affecting the overall sedative effects you may experience.

Counterfeit risks

Many popular medications in the market have counterfeit or fake versions. Because Xanax and its alternatives like Farmapram are widely popular, they are likely to be targeted by counterfeiters.

However, there is a higher probability of not recognizing counterfeit Farmapram pills compared to FDA-approved Xanax, seeing as these pills come from a different country.

Availability and misuse

Farmapram might be more readily available in certain regions compared to Xanax. This availability may imply less medical supervision, leading to a higher risk of misuse.

The consequences range from dangerous side effects to overdose and dependence.

What doses does Farmapram come in?

There are different types of alprazolam, each with its own dose and strength from 0.25 mg to 3 mg.^[2]

There are also differences in doses according to specific medical conditions and ages, although Farmapram 2mg is the common dosage.

Anxiety Disorder treatment

For adults (immediate-release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, solution):

• Start: 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg three times daily

• Increase by up to 1 mg every 3 to 4 days

• Maximum: 4 mg/day^[2]

For seniors:

• 0.25 mg two or three times daily^[2]

Panic Disorder treatment

For adults (extended-release tablets):

• Start: 0.5 to 1 mg daily

• Maintenance: 3 to 6 mg daily

• Maximum: 10 mg/day^[2]

For seniors (extended-release tablets):

• 0.5 mg daily^[2]

General oral dosage forms

For adults (immediate-release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, solution):

• 0.5 mg three times daily

• Maximum: 10 mg/day^[2]

For seniors:

• 0.25 mg two or three times daily^[2]

What are the effects of Farmapram?

Is Farmapram addictive?

Like other benzodiazepines, Farmapram has an increased risk of addiction, especially when used differently than prescribed or for long periods.

The reason is that the so-called Mexican Xanax bars change the release of brain neurotransmitters to trigger its sedative effects. Long-term use of Farmapram leads to a generalized impairment of these neurotransmitters’ actions, and the brain cannot create the same feelings of calmness on its own.

This psychological and physical dependence is also influenced by the period Farmapram Xanax remains in your system. Farmapram pills have an 11-hour half-life, which leads to:

• Reinforcement: Since Farmparam provides fast relief but wears off quickly, individuals may take repeated or larger doses to achieve the same therapeutic effect.

• Withdrawal symptoms: Users may feel withdrawal symptoms soon after the last dose, prompting them to take another one to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. This cycle can enhance the potential for addiction.

• Accumulation: Even though Xanax has a relatively short half-life, it can stay in the body for days. Accumulation of multiple doses thus leads to prolonged drug effects, increasing the risk of adverse reactions affecting people’s ability to function without the drug.

Is Farmapram legal in the US?

Generally, you can have up to 50 dosage units of Mexican Xanax bars in the US without a prescription from a medical US doctor. However, you might need to present a prescription from a Mexican physician.

That said, people can legally bring FDA-approved controlled substances in the United States from other countries for personal use. Although the rule of thumb is you can have enough pills for up to 90 days,[5] the FDA does not specifically outline how many Farmapram pills you can legally possess without a prescription.

How much does Farmapram cost on the street?

The street price of counterfeit alprazolam or Xanax varies from $3 for 0.25 mg to $5 for a 2 mg Farmapram pressed tablet. A typical 30-bar street Farmapram may cost $25 per pot.

Remember that fake Farmapram may have significant health risks. For example, tablets of Farmapram 2mg and below sold in questionable online pharmacies are likely combined with fentanyl, which increases the risk of overdose.

What are the dangers of Mexican Xanax?

Mexican Xanax is dangerous because it is more likely to be counterfeit by cartels and retailed online under the guise of legitimate pharmacies. Fake Xanax bars’ dangers include:

• Unsafe ingredients: Illicit drug manufacturers include illegal substances, such as powerful synthetic opioids like Fentanyl. Although the purpose is to amplify the Farmapram effects, this combination is often lethal.

• Potential contamination: Unregulated drug manufacturers don’t adhere to sanitation and safety standards. Consequently, counterfeit Xanax might contain harmful contaminants, including dangerous bacteria.

• Elevated alprazolam content: Genuine Xanax bars typically contain 2 milligrams of alprazolam. However, to enhance the drug’s impact and retain users, counterfeit producers might add excessive amounts of alprazolam. This addition amplifies the likelihood of both addiction and overdose.

What treatment is available for Farmapram addiction?

Treatment for Farmapram addiction follows similar guidelines to those for other benzodiazepine addictions, including:

• Detoxification under medical supervision

• Inpatient rehabilitation in residential treatment centers for severe cases of addiction

• Outpatient rehabilitation for those with milder addiction or after completing an inpatient program

• Psychotherapy

• Group therapy

• 12-step programs

• Family therapy