Farmapram (Mexican Xanax): Uses, Risks, and Addiction

Ioana Cozma
Morgan Blair
Written by Ioana Cozma on 16 October 2023
Medically reviewed by Morgan Blair on 29 October 2024

Farmapram is a form of benzodiazepine which is produced in Mexico. Farmapram pills are also known as Mexican Xanax bars. This guide explains the differences between Farmapram and Xanax, dosages, potential side effects and legal questions, addiction potential, and treatment options.

Key takeaways:
  • Farmapram and Xanax use the same active substance called alprazolam, which typically produces a calming or sedating effect and is used to treat conditions such as anxiety or panic disorders.
  • Farmapram is legal in the U.S. for personal use for up to 60-90 days of supply.
  • Farmapram has a high potential for addiction and contamination risk due to less stringent regulation in manufacturing and distribution measures.
  • Farmapram addiction may be treated with medication, inpatient and outpatient programs, and therapy.
Bottle labeled

What is Farmapram?

Farmapram is the Mexican brand name for the benzodiazepine alprazolam, which is sold under the product name Xanax in the US. As such, Farmapram pills are also called Mexican Xanax or Mexican Xanax bars.

This substance's main purpose is to treat mental health issues like anxiety and panic disorder. However, the euphoric effects of Farmapram or Xanax have led to the medication being widely misused recreationally.

What is Farmapram (alprazolam) used for?

Alprazolam, the active ingredient in Farmapram, is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and some types of depression. It is part of the class of medications called benzodiazepines, which enhances the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA blocks neurotransmissions or brain signals, which in turn produces a calming effect.

What doses are available for Farmapram?

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

FormDoses
Regular-release tablets0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg
Orally disintegrating tablets0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg
Extended-release tablets0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg
Oral solution0.5 mg/5 mL, 1 mg/10 mL

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

  • General oral dosage forms: (Adults) 0.5 mg 3x a day, (Seniors) 0.25 mg 2-3x a day
  • Anxiety Disorder treatment: (Adults) up to 4 mg a day, (Seniors) 0.25 mg 2-3x a day
  • Panic Disorder treatment: (Adults) up to 10 mg a day, (Seniors) 0.5 mg a day

Farmapram (Mexico) vs. Xanax (US)

Both Farmapram and Xanax use an ingredient that is typically used as a treatment for anxiety or panic disorders. However, with different country origins, these brands also differ in terms of manufacturing, which has further implications for their quality, side effects, safety profiles, and risks.

  • Origin and manufacturing regulation. Xanax is produced by Pfizer and is approved by regulatory bodies in the United States like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while Farmapram's pharmaceutical manufacturing is regulated under Mexican health regulatory bodies.
  • Metabolization rate and effects. Xanax and Farmapram have different inactive ingredients or fillers which result in a different absorption rate. This affects the overall sedative effects you may experience.
  • Cost and accessibility. Farmapram is typically sold at cheaper prices in Mexico and can be bought without prescription if you purchase up to 50 pills, as opposed to Xanax or alprazolam brands in the US which are heavily regulated by the US FDA. While this makes Farmapram a more cost-effective option, especially for those who need the prescription medicine, this availability may also imply less medical supervision, leading to a higher risk of misuse.The consequences range from dangerous side effects to overdose and dependence.
  • Counterfeit risks. There is an increased risk of purchasing counterfeit alprazolam when buying from street dealers or pharmacies outside of the US. In one instance, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) found that fake prescription pills trafficked into the country, including Xanax from Mexico, were laced with fatal doses of Fentanyl.

It is legal to have up to 50 doses 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, 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 Farmapram 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. In contrast, Xanax costs around $5 for a 0.25 mg to $16 for 2 mg.

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.

Side effects of Farmapram

Like most medication, Mexican Xanax pills can cause side effects.

Common side effects of Farmapram

People taking alprazolam might experience the following common side effects:

  • Feeling sleepy
  • Fatigue
  • Lightheadedness
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Forgetfulness
  • Lack of coordination
  • Unclear speech
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Mood swings
  • Loose stools
  • Constipation
  • Excessive perspiration
  • Headaches
  • Feeling nauseous
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach discomfort
  • Vision issues
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Puffy hands or feet
  • Muscular feebleness
  • Dryness in the mouth
  • Blocked nose
  • Diminished sexual desire
  • Deepening of depression
  • Elevated mood (hypomania)
  • Reduced mental clarity
  • Symptoms of sedation and withdrawal in newborns

Severe side effects of Mexican Xanax

More severe side effects include:

  • Mood changes
  • Hallucinations
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Difficulty in speaking
  • Loss of balance
  • Challenges in walking
  • Memory issues
  • Skin or eyes turning yellow
  • Seizures

Although uncommon, Farmapram may cause severe allergic reactions, including:

  • Skin rashes
  • Itching
  • Swelling primarily on the face, tongue, or throat
  • Intense dizziness
  • Breathing difficulties

Call your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of these severe symptoms.

Dangers of Farmapram

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.

Dangerous combinations

Additionally, taking Farmapram pills with alcohol or other substances may cause breathing issues and drowsiness, increasing the risk of overdose and death. The most dangerous combinations with Farmapram Xanax include:

If you are taking these substances, tell your doctor so they can adjust your dosages accordingly.

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 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.

What treatment is available for Farmapram addiction?

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

Contact a treatment provider with Recovered

The use of unregulated channels to access medication can multiply significant risks to your health with a lack of medical supervision and possible contamination. If you or someone you know might be struggling with Farmapram abuse, check Recovered's state directory to contact a treatment provider and get professional help today.

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Resources:

  1. Anderson, L. A., PharmD. (2023, March 2). What is Farmapram called in the US? Drugs.com.
  2. George, T. T., & Tripp, J. (2023). Alprazolam. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
  3. (n.d.). Alprazolam - Uses, Side Effects, and More. WebMD.
  4. National Library of Medicine (n.d.). Alprazolam - Uses, Side Effects, and More. MedlinePlus.
  5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2023, August 18). 5 Tips for Traveling to the U.S. With Medications. FDA.

Activity History - Last updated: 29 October 2024, Published date:


Reviewer

Morgan Blair

MA, LPC

Morgan is a mental health counselor who works alongside individuals of all backgrounds struggling with eating disorders. Morgan is freelance mental health and creative writer who regularly contributes to publications including, Psychology Today.

Activity History - Medically Reviewed on 14 October 2023 and last checked on 29 October 2024

Medically reviewed by
Morgan Blair

MA, LPC

Morgan Blair

Reviewer

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