What is Farmapram?
Farmapram is the latest drug Americans are now turning to. Farmapram, also known as Mexican Xanax bars, is a benzodiazepine prescribed to patients for the treatment of anxiety disorder, panic disorder and depression. Available in Mexico, both Farmapram and Xanax contain the active ingredient alprazolam. Both medications contain the main active ingredient alprazolam and are used to treat the same conditions. However, Farmapram is not regulated or inspected so it is possible that the drug could contain other unknown and dangerous additives.
Due to the high cost of health care in America, patients have begun traveling to Mexico in search of lower-cost medication alternatives. Farmapram’s new customer base is Americans. A new research study found that medications purchased legally in four northern cities in Mexico were from travelers from the US. Now many Mexican pharmacies are catering to US tourists. However, this can pose a high risk because the medication is unregulated and can potentially contain deadly ingredients. Researchers at the UCLA School of Medicine tested oxycodone pills and medications from Mexico and found that out of 27 that were tested, 11 of the medications also contained traces of fentanyl or heroin. The team also found other medications sold in Mexican pharmacies that were laced with methamphetamines.
What is Xanax?
In the US, Xanax is a Schedule IV controlled substance under the DEA. This means it has a low risk for abuse and dependence. Other drugs that fall into the same category include Valium, Ativan and Tramadol. Xanax falls into the classification of drugs called benzodiazepines. Benzos work by binding to the GABA receptors in the central nervous system. This reduces activity, calms the nervous system and triggers sedative and anti-anxiety effects in the brain. Benzo drugs are effective when taken as prescribed. However, they also pose a risk for dependence and addiction.
What is Farmapram?
Farmapram is also referred to as Mexican Xanax. The medication is a long rectangular pill with bars scored into four different sections. In Mexico, Farmapram can be obtained without a prescription. It is generally not regulated and anyone can purchase the medication over the counter as long as it does not exceed 50 pills. In the US, it is legal to bring over a 60 to 90-day supply of Farmapram. But like Xanax, Farmapram has a potential for tolerance, dependence and addiction when abused.
It contains the active ingredient alprazolam and has a half-life of around 11 hours. This means the medication can provide a quick onset of relieving effects, which can also wear off just as quickly. This often leads to users taking repeated or larger doses in order to maintain the same effects.
Despite the shorter half-life compared to other benzos, alprazolam can remain in the body for days. An accumulation of multiple doses can lead to prolonged side effects and an increased risk of developing adverse reactions. Withdrawal symptoms can also be experienced soon after the latest dose is taken. Symptoms can begin within hours of the last dose and can last anywhere between 10-14 days. These symptoms include rebound anxiety, panic attacks, seizures, insomnia, high blood pressure and elevated heart rate.
Adverse Side Effects of Farmapram
- Mood swings
- Worsening sleep issues
- Delayed reaction time and lack of coordination
- Difficulty making decisions
- Poor memory
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Slurred speech
- Blurred vision
- Worsening or development of depression and suicidal thoughts
- Hypomania
- Reduced mental clarity
- Hallucinations and seizures
Farmapram in the US
It is legal to bring Farmapram to the US from Mexico. However, it will be subject to inspection by various government agencies: FDA, TSA (Transportation Security Administration), and US Customs and Border Protection. Each agency has its own restrictions and requirements and will check for valid prescriptions, medications in their original package or container, a medical provider’s note in English, and no more than a 90-day supply of the medication.
Prescription medications such as Farmapram are often brought over from Mexico. This is because of the high cost of medical care in the US or because people are unable to get a prescription for Xanax in the US. According to drugs.com, Xanax prescription medications for 0.25mg—1mg pills cost between $5.56 and $9.18. In contrast, the same alprazolam medication in Mexico under the brand name Farmapram costs about 170% less.
Farmapram vs Xanax
Farmapram and Xanax are from different countries of origin and are subject to different terms of manufacturing. Xanax is produced by Pfizer and approved by US regulatory agencies. Farmapram’s manufacturers are regulated under Mexican health agencies. Because Farmapram is not manufactured in the US, it is not subject to inspection from US agencies such as the FDA. The active ingredient alprazolam is approved by the FDA. But the brand name Farmapram is not. Both medications also contain different inactive ingredients or fillers. This results in varying absorption rates, which impacts the overall effects of the medication.
Check Your Insurance Coverage for FREE
Find out if your insurance covers addiction treatment in minutes. We accept most insurance!
Dangers of Farmapram
- High potential for abuse – There is a high potential for addiction because there are risks of drug contamination due to less restrictive regulations in the manufacturing and distribution process.
- Cost – Farmapram is a cost-effective option for the medication alprazolam. Not only is it cheaper, but it is also more available and accessible compared to its American counterpart. This can imply the drug requires less medical supervision and can lead to a higher risk of misuse.
- Unsafe ingredients – Illicit manufacturers can produce Farmapram pills, which include other unknown ingredients leading to unknown side effects. In a report from the DEA, the agency revealed that millions of seized prescription drugs that were trafficked into the country including alprazolam from Mexico, were laced with fentanyl. It is impossible to tell if a drug is laced with fentanyl and that poses a dangerous risk to consumers.
- Potential for contamination – When drugs are made through unregulated manufacturers, they often do not adhere to sanitation and safety standards. This can lead to accidental contamination of dangerous microbes and bacteria. Without FDA approval, it can be difficult to know if the medication is safe or if the medication can be counterfeit. The FDA inspects all food and medications for safety and efficacy in the US. It requires products to have printed labels expressing all ingredients and warnings about the food or drug.
- Unknown alprazolam dose – Xanax pills generally contain 2mg of alprazolam. In an attempt to enhance the effects of the drug, counterfeit producers will add a higher dose of alprazolam, which increases the risk of addiction and overdose.
- Counterfeit drugs – When purchasing Farmapram or any medications outside of the US, there is a higher risk of purchasing counterfeit drugs.
Signs of Farmapram Abuse
- Keeping Farmapram pills around all the time
- Missing out on work or family obligations due to medication use
- Sleeping more than usual and appearing sluggish
- Developing mood swings
- Personality changes
- Doctor shopping to obtain more Farmapram pills
- Appearing disoriented or disheveled
Reach out to Hotel California by the Sea
We specialize in treating addiction and other co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD. Our Admissions specialists are available to walk you through the best options for treating your addiction.
Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Farmapram is a benzo medication from Mexico also known as Mexican Xanax. The main active ingredient is alprazolam and many Americans have opted for purchasing this Xanax alternative due to its availability and cost-effective pricing. Farmapram is largely unregulated and can pose a risk for dependence and addiction. Signs of a substance use disorder from abusing Farmapram include memory problems, mood swings, agitation, continued use of drugs despite harmful consequences, changes in eating habits, changes in sleep habits and hiding of drug use. Behavioral health programs such as Hotel California by the Sea provide treatment for clients at all levels of substance addiction.
We offer detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-based methods such as CBT, DBT, family therapy and group therapy. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to providing our clients with the tools, resources and support they need to overcome their addiction.
References:
https://www.npr.org/2023/03/14/1163146258/fentanyl-mexico-pharmacy-american-medical-tourism-overdose
https://www.addictiongroup.org/drugs/benzodiazepines/xanax/
https://recovered.org/benzodiazepines/xanax-alprazolam/mexican-xanax-bars-farmapram