What Is Farmapram?
Farmapram is the brand name for alprazolam sold in Mexico. This medication is used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorder. Although Farmapram is similar to the American brand ‘Xanax,’ it is not regulated or inspected and may contain dangerous additives like fentanyl.
People who buy Farmapram in Mexico may purchase less than 50 pills over the counter without a prescription. However, using unprescribed alprazolam increases the risk of developing tolerance and addiction.
Drug addiction is a brain disease that requires medical intervention for treatment. Let the experts at Zinnia Health help you on your way to sobriety. Call our 24-hour hotline at (855) 430-9439 to learn about our comprehensive approach to addiction.
What Are Mexican Xanax Bars?
Farmapram is a benzodiazepine prescribed in Mexico to patients with anxiety and depression. The active ingredient in Farmapram is alprazolam, the U.S. generic version of Xanax. In the United States, Farmapram is sold as alprazolam, which earned it the nickname “Mexican Xanax.”
In the United States, alprazolam is a controlled substance listed by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) under Schedule IV. Schedule IV controlled substances have a low risk for abuse and dependence. Other drugs in this category include:
- Valium
- Soma
- Ativan
- Tramadol
Farmapram (Mexican Xanax) Identification
Mexican Xanax pills are long and rectangular without any imprints. These coated white capsules are scored multiple times down the front and back, dividing the bar into four sections. Although Farmapram capsules are not marked with a dose, they are available in strengths of 0.25 mg, 0.50 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg.
What Are the Effects of Farmapram?
The main ingredient, alprazolam, activates the effects of Farmapram.
Alprazolam belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (Benzos). Benzodiazepines bind to a receptor in the central nervous system called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA-A). This action calms the nervous system, triggering a sedative and anti-anxiety effect.
To achieve these effects, physicians start their adult patients on a dosing schedule of 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg thrice daily.
Farmapram Side Effects
Along with the wanted effects of Mexican Xanax, one can expect a few uncomfortable side effects.
These common side effects include:
- Mood swings
- Worsening of COPD and sleep apnea
- Slowed reaction time
- Difficulty thinking
- Poor memory
According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, mixing a benzodiazepine with alcohol or drugs from another group (like opioids) could result in an accidental overdose.
Other adverse effects include:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
Disclaimer: Some will experience one or more of these side effects, while others may not experience any. The latter doesn’t mean the medication isn’t working. It is essential to take this medication as directed, as doubling up doses can cause an overdose, which could be fatal.
Can You Use Farmapram in the United States?
Yes. It is legal to bring Farmapram to the United States from Mexico.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, medication you bring to the United States is subject to scrutiny by three governing bodies:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Each has its restrictions and requirements, so they recommend checking with each other before bringing foreign medication into America.
Collectively, they would like to see the following:
- A valid physician’s prescription or doctor’s note.
- Medication in its original bottle with your name and dosing information on the label.
- A doctor’s letter in English explaining your condition and why you need the medication if the medication isn’t in its original container.
- No more than a 90-day supply of the medication; anything more has to arrive by mail.
What Are the Dangers of Mexican Xanax?
Farmapram is not manufactured in the United States and is not subject to inspection by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. All medications are inspected and approved or rejected by the FDA in America.
The FDA inspects food and medications for safety and efficacy while ensuring all pertinent information is printed on the label. This includes ingredients and warnings. Though the FDA governs medicines in the United States, it does not hold jurisdiction over North America.
Some substances are deemed unsafe by the FDA but are still included in products in other countries, like Mexico. Without an FDA-approved certification, knowing if Farmapram is safe is impossible. Even if the active ingredient alprazolam is approved, the brand “Farmapram” is not.
Another danger of using Farmapram (Mexican Xanax) includes unknown additional active ingredients.
A PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT issued by the DEA revealed that millions of seized prescription drugs, including Xanax from Mexico, were laced with fentanyl. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is impossible to tell if a drug is laced with fentanyl since you cannot see, smell, or taste it.
However, even this tiny amount can cause a fatal overdose. Unknown inactive ingredients: A Public Safety Alert issued by the DEA revealed a troubling trend of fentanyl-laced prescription drugs coming from Mexico.
Are you or a loved one using Farmapram to fill a void or to avoid stress? If so, you might have an addiction. Contact Zinnia Health at (855) 430-9439 for help finding a Farmapram addiction treatment center near you.
Are There Differences Between Xanax and Farmapram?
Both medications contain the active ingredient alprazolam. In addition, both drugs are given to patients with anxiety and panic attacks. Although they share the same active ingredient, the two have some differences.
- Mexican Xanax is obtainable without a prescription: While alprazolam products in the United States are heavily regulated, alprazolam products in Mexico are not. Anyone can purchase Mexican Xanax over the counter without a prescription, so long as the quantity doesn’t exceed 50 pills.
- Prescription medication is cheaper in Mexico: Some individuals buy Xanax in Mexico because they can’t get a prescription in the U.S. These individuals would be forced to purchase Xanax from street dealers in America. According to Drugs.com, Xanax 0.25 mg to 1 mg pills are $5.56 to $9.18 each. Prescriptions in Mexico are 170% less than in the U.S.
Are Farmapram Pills Addictive?
As a Schedule IV controlled substance, alprazolam has a low risk for addiction. However, using alprazolam without a prescription increases the likelihood of developing tolerance.
When individuals take alprazolam as directed, they benefit from the full effects. Using it more than or longer than needed causes their body to adjust. According to Learn Genetics, this is called tolerance. Tolerance causes a person to use more of the drug than necessary, leading to substance use disorder.
According to data compiled by MedlinePlus, substance use disorder is a treatable mental health condition.
Signs of substance use disorder include:
- Memory problems
- Mood swings
- Agitation when spoken to about their drug use
- Using drugs despite the harms
- Missing school or work
- Changes in eating habits
- Changes in sleeping habits (drowsiness or insomnia)
- Disheveled appearance
- Hiding drug use
Unless a medical professional addresses substance use disorder, an individual could go on to develop an addiction. Addiction is the most severe stage of substance use disorder.
Once a person has an addiction to drugs such as Xanax, they will require detox and treatment at a rehabilitation facility to reduce the risk of overdose and relapse.
Treatment Options for Mexican Xanax Addiction
Battling addiction isn’t easy. Some people feel they could use willpower to avoid using it again. However, troubling withdrawal symptoms, such as physical pain and insomnia, could drive them to relapse.
To lessen the effects of withdrawal and minimize your risk of relapse, seek help from an accredited rehabilitation center like Zinnia Health. Here, you’ll detoxify to allow Xanax to leave your system.
To minimize the discomfort of withdrawal, you may be given medications. In addition, you’ll receive therapy to talk through your problems and develop a plan to help you tackle unresolved mental health issues.
Next, you’ll attend an addiction treatment program to help you meet your goals. This might include attending a 12-step group, working with a cognitive behavioral specialist, or creating SMART Recovery goals.
After leaving rehab, some individuals return on an outpatient basis to ensure their sobriety. Others attend aftercare programs to help themselves and others prevent relapse.
To learn more about addiction, recovery, or substance use disorder, contact a Zinnia Health expert at (855) 430-9439 today.