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

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.^[1]

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.^[2]

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. ^[3]

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.^[2]

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^[2]
• Anxiety Disorder treatment: (Adults) up to 4 mg a day, (Seniors) 0.25 mg 2-3x a day^[2]
• Panic Disorder treatment: (Adults) up to 10 mg a day, (Seniors) 0.5 mg a day^[2]

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.

Is Mexican Xanax legal in the US?

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,^[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 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.

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.

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:

• 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

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.