Farmapram is the brand name of the medication alprazolam marketed and approved for use in Mexico. In the US, the brand name is Xanax. This article will cover the uses, safety, and risks of using alprazolam in the US. It will also address the safety of using Farmapram obtained either in Mexico or the US.
Highlights
- Farmapram is the name of a medication available in Mexico with the active ingredient alprazolam, just like Xanax in the US.
- Farmapram, or alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine. This class of medications has significant risks of abuse and misuse and can be obtained only by prescription. Only obtain the medication through official sources and with the use of proper prescriptions.
- Farmapram has significant drug interactions with other medications. Check with your healthcare provider about all possible interactions.
- Treatment with Farmapram should be closely monitored. Starting and stopping alprazolam use must be done slowly and gradually to reduce the risk of severe side effects or withdrawal reactions. Never change doses without the direction of a healthcare professional.
What Is Farmapram (Alprazolam)?
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine medication that acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to
In the US, alprazolam is
Farmapram vs. Xanax: Key Differences and Similarities
Both Farmapram and
An important reminder: the FDA only regulates medication for sale and use in the US. If attempting to purchase medication outside of the US, you may be at an increased risk for counterfeit or imitation medications that could be dangerous. While it may be tempting because of lower costs and reduced barriers, there is
Is Farmapram FDA-approved? Legality and Regulations
Farmapram is not FDA-approved in the US.
Only brand name Xanax or approved generic forms of alprazolam are FDA-approved in the US. The active ingredient alprazolam is a controlled substance in the US and is
You should not travel with controlled substances unless absolutely necessary. If traveling with alprazolam, you should carry it in the legally compliant vial it was dispensed to you in, and the name on the vial should match a form of identification. Additionally, you should check the local laws about having alprazolam in your possession and traveling with it. Finally, you should not attempt to purchase Farmapram online, or have the medication shipped to you, especially across country borders. While it is legal to mail certain medications within the US, it must be from a pharmacy to a patient, in accordance with local laws of both the sending and receiving state, and only with a legal prescription.
What Does Farmapram Look Like?
Farmapram manufactured by IFA Celtics for use in Mexico is available as four different pills. Knowing their look and identifying markings can help ensure you are actually receiving Farmapram.
It is always best to receive the medication in its original packaging. Look for signs of an official product like a lot number, an expiration date, and a phone number of the manufacturer. Descriptions of tablets are located below:
- White, oval 0.25 mg tablets with a score (or break line) on one side and ‘IFA’ imprinted on the other side.
- Blue, oval 0.5 mg tablets with a score (or break line) on one side and ‘IFA’ imprinted on the other side.
- Light purple, oval 1 mg tablets with a score (or break line) on one side and ‘IFA’ imprinted on the other side.
- White, rectangular 2 mg tablets, known as bars, with three scores (or break lines) on one side and two scores on the other side.
Farmapram Dosages
The available doses of Farmapram are listed above with descriptions. The approved dosages for alprazolam (Xanax) use in the US are clearly
When alprazolam is used for generalized anxiety disorder, the
When used for panic disorder, the
Sometimes, alprazolam is used for other conditions, and the doses may vary. This type of use is considered off-label and it should only happen at the direction of a licensed US-based healthcare provider. They should be able to explain their reasoning for your treatment and dose.
Farmapram Side Effects
Taking Farmapram, or alprazolam, can put you at risk of many side effects, some common and less serious, and some severe. Any side effect should be reported to and addressed by your provider. If you feel your life is in danger, call 911 immediately and seek care.
Below are lists of some of the
Common side effects:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Akathisia
- Light-headedness
- Dry mouth
- Increased salivation
- Low blood pressure
- Fatigue
- Impaired coordination
- Confusion
- Changes in libido
- Constipation
Severe side effects:
- Central nervous system depression
- Abuse, misuse, and addiction
- Dependence and withdrawal reactions
- Worsening depression
- Episodes of mania or hypomania
- Respiratory depression
Learn more: Side Effects of Xanax (Alprazolam)
Risks and Dangers
Due to the specific
The following list consists of severe conditions and specific groups that may be at a higher risk. If any of these apply to you, be sure to bring it up with your healthcare provider to ensure your safe use. They may decide alprazolam is not right for you, or change your dosing to make treatment safer.
- Risk of use with opioids. Taking any benzodiazepine, including alprazolam, along with opioids can greatly increase the risk of respiratory depression, coma, and death. If you also take opioids you should use the lowest dose possible of each and be constantly monitored for signs of sedation. Talk to your prescriber about carrying Naloxone as well for emergency use in the case of an overdose.
- Abuse, misuse, and addiction. All benzodiazepines carry a risk for abuse and addiction that can lead to death. This risk increases when doses taken are above the prescribed dose, or used with other medications, drugs, or alcohol. If you have a history of substance abuse, discuss it with your prescriber.
- Central nervous depression. Alprazolam and all
benzodiazepines[8] reduce a person’s alertness, and this can be dangerous for those driving, or operating heavy machinery. Discuss with your prescriber the best time to take alprazolam, and be sure you know how the medication affects you before resuming normal work. - Worsening depression. Alprazolam has been shown to worsen depression. If you have depression be sure to alert your healthcare provider of your alprazolam treatment and monitor for signs of worsening depression.
- Episodes of mania. Patients with mania or a history of manic episodes should use alprazolam cautiously as there have been reports of mania and hypomania developing when patients are taking alprazolam.
- Decreased respiratory function. If you have a lung disease or have impaired lung function, you should discuss with your doctor safe treatment. There is evidence of an increased risk of adverse outcomes among those with COPD; also, benzodiazepines are
a risk factor[9] for respiratory failure in patients with COPD.
There are also many medications that can
Below is a list of some important interactions to note. Discuss at length all of your medications with a pharmacist or member of your healthcare team:
- Alprazolam should not be taken with medications that strongly inhibit a liver enzyme called CYP3A. Examples of these medications include ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluvoxamine, and cimetidine.
- Opioids should be avoided if possible, due to the risk of CNS depression.
- CNS depressants should be avoided and used sparingly. Examples include antihistamines, seizure medications, alcohol, and psychotropic medications.
- Digoxin, a medication used for heart failure, when combined with alprazolam can rise to dangerous levels in the body. Patients taking digoxin and alprazolam should be monitored closely and adjust doses of both if necessary.
Addiction, Dependence, and Withdrawal
Alprazolam is a unique benzodiazepine as it is one of the most potent,
When the dose is decreased or stopped altogether in patients with dependence, they can experience withdrawal symptoms. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that when stopping treatment with alprazolam, you should decrease very slowly over time, always at the direction of a healthcare professional.
Withdrawal symptoms include:
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Fast heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Nightmares
- Delirium
Farmapram, or alprazolam, has a high risk of addiction, misuse, and abuse. Patients that have a history of substance use disorder or addiction, should use alprazolam cautiously and under close supervision by a healthcare professional.
If you feel you are craving alprazolam and need it but don’t feel symptoms of panic or anxiety, or if you feel you are using it too frequently, seek help immediately. Do not attempt any treatment on your own as it can make the situation worse or life-threatening. Your healthcare provider may recommend you seek specific addiction treatment to help obtain effective management strategies.
Safer Alternatives for Anxiety Management
Farmapram, or alprazolam, is not the only option for treating and managing anxiety. A large
There are also many other anti-anxiety medications available as prescription treatments. Specifically, the use of non-benzodiazepines could be considered a safer alternative. Non-benzo medications often have less abuse potential and less risk of central nervous depression. If you are uncomfortable taking alprazolam, speak with your provider about alternative options.
Conclusion
If you think treatment with Farmapram may be right for you, speak to a licensed healthcare professional in your state or country. In the US, you will likely be prescribed alprazolam instead of Farmapram. Do not seek out medication, especially controlled substances like alprazolam from unlicensed sources.
If you do not have a healthcare provider you can always connect with the MEDvidi team for online anxiety treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Farmapram the same as Xanax?
Is Farmapram safe?
Farmapram is only safe if used appropriately under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional. There have been reports of unsafe imitation medication made to look like Farmapram. It is also unsafe to obtain Farmapram without a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
How long does it take for Farmapram to work?
How long does Farmapram last?
One dose of Farmapram or alprazolam lasts between 4 to 6 hours. This is the main reason why most treatments with alprazolam require multiple doses throughout the day. Be sure to keep track of each dose you take ensuring you do not take too many or too few doses.
