Risks of Mexican Xanax: Side Effects and Dangers of Farmapram
Farmapram is a medication available in Mexico that contains alprazolam, which is commonly known as Xanax in the United States. It is frequently prescribed for anxiety, panic disorders, and sometimes for insomnia. Although this medication is often used for valid medical reasons, some people may choose to obtain Farmapram in Mexico, also known as Mexican Xanax, because it is more affordable and can be acquired without a prescription.
However, purchasing medications from other countries, especially controlled substances like alprazolam, poses significant risks. These risks include potential legal complications when crossing borders and the dangers of misuse, incorrect dosages, and severe side effects.
While Farmapram and Xanax are fundamentally the same drug, variations in regulations and manufacturing practices between countries may lead to differences in how the medications work and their overall safety. Many Americans have turned to Farmapram, including buying it from online pharmacies, due to its lower price and easier access. It is essential to be aware of the risks linked to Mexican Xanax, including its side effects and the broader implications, like developing a Xanax addiction.
What Are Mexican Xanax Bars?
Alprazolam is a medication commonly used to alleviate anxiety, often recognized by its brand name, Xanax, in the United States, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic. This drug is widely available globally due to its effectiveness in quickly reducing anxiety symptoms. In Mexico, it is marketed as Farmapram, sometimes referred to as “Mexican Xanax Bars.”
Both Xanax and Farmapram fall under the benzodiazepine category, which can pose serious risks if misused or taken without a doctor’s supervision, given their potential for abuse, addiction, and overdose, particularly when combined with substances like alcohol or opioids.
While Farmapram shares the same chemical composition as Xanax, the label “Mexican Xanax” often points to counterfeit or unregulated versions of the medication, which may be manufactured without proper quality control or medical guidance. These fake drugs can lead to unpredictable reactions in the body, heightening the risk of severe health issues.
It might seem puzzling why individuals would opt for these more dangerous alternatives when Xanax is readily available in the U.S. Still, many medications with similar effects are sold at significantly lower prices in Mexico, and numerous pharmacies there dispense them without requiring a prescription.
Ultimately, although the allure of affordable medications and easy access may appear appealing, the risks associated with unregulated or counterfeit Xanax bars from Mexico far exceed any potential advantages.
What Are the Effects of Farmapram?
Farmapram is the brand name for alprazolam, a medication that shares similar effects with Xanax. Both of these drugs are classified as central nervous system depressants and are commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and occasionally for insomnia.
Farmapram functions by boosting the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps to calm brain activity, thereby alleviating anxiety and fostering a sense of tranquility. Among its beneficial effects, Farmapram can also promote muscle relaxation, easing tension associated with stress and stabilizing mood. However, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and withdrawal symptoms of Xanax, which may include:
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Impaired memory
- Lack of coordination and motor skills
- Mood swings
- Dry mouth
- Irritability
- Headache
- Digestive issues
- New or worsening depression
- In rare instances, there is a risk of seizures
- Respiratory depression
What Are the Dangers of Mexican Xanax?
Mexican Xanax is frequently found to be counterfeit or illegal, often smuggled into the United States or sold in hidden pharmacies across Mexico. Reports from AP News indicate that small pharmacies in tourist hotspots and border areas sometimes offer medications labeled as OxyContin, Percocet, Xanax, and others without requiring a prescription.
However, a study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles revealed that 27% of the non-chain pharmacies surveyed in Mexico were selling fake pills. These counterfeit medications may contain unregulated substances, including potentially lethal doses of fentanyl.
Due to unregulated production, the dosage of the active ingredient, alprazolam, can vary significantly in these pills, making it difficult to control the amount of the drug being consumed, which leads to an increased risk of overdose.
It is crucial to understand that all benzodiazepines carry a high risk of dependency and addiction, requiring Xanax addiction recovery treatment. Taking Xanax made in Mexico can increase these risks, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms, mental health issues, and severe physical side effects.
Additionally, improper dosage or contamination with other substances can lead to severe psychological side effects, including anxiety, depression, paranoia, hallucinations, and aggressiveness. These effects can be unpredictable and dangerous, particularly when mixed with other drugs, including alcohol or prescription medications, which can lead to respiratory depression, coma, or death.
There are also legal risks associated with possessing and using counterfeit medications like Xanax from Mexico. Getting caught in the U.S. with it can result in serious legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
Are Farmapram Pills Addictive?
Farmapram, like other benzodiazepines, carries a high risk of addiction. While it can effectively alleviate anxiety symptoms in the short term, this quick relief may tempt individuals to use it more often or in larger doses to maintain its soothing effects. Typically, Xanax is intended for occasional use, but some may take it daily to prevent anxiety symptoms, leading to tolerance.
This means they require increasing amounts to achieve the same calming results, which can result in misuse as they exceed their prescribed dosage for relief. Farmapram is particularly prone to misuse since it can be obtained without a healthcare provider’s oversight, and its varying dosages may encourage individuals to take more than necessary.
With continued use, the body can develop a physical dependence on alprazolam, relying on it for normal functioning. If the medication is abruptly discontinued, withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, and even seizures may occur.
The National Library of Medicine indicates that alprazolam withdrawal can be more severe than that of other benzodiazepines, even with a gradual reduction. These withdrawal effects may drive individuals to continue misusing alprazolam to avoid discomfort. Those dealing with anxiety or stress might increasingly depend on the drug as a coping mechanism, leading to psychological dependence where they feel unable to navigate daily life without it, perpetuating the cycle of misuse.
Moreover, counterfeit Xanax from Mexico can sometimes be mixed with hazardous substances like fentanyl or other opioids, heightening the risks of addiction, overdose, and even death. This dangerous combination can lead to polysubstance addiction, which poses additional challenges for treatment. Individuals may face more intense withdrawal symptoms, complicating the detoxification process.
How WhiteSands Treatment Can Help You Overcome Mexican Xanax Addiction
Mexican Xanax poses significant risks, including the potential for polysubstance addiction. At WhiteSands Treatment, our experienced addiction specialists are equipped to address all forms of addiction, including those related to Xanax made in Mexico. Our comprehensive treatment programs for addiction focus on identifying the root causes of addiction through evidence-based therapies that promote healing for the body, mind, and spirit.
We create personalized treatment plans that start with an in-depth evaluation. This allows our team to understand your specific challenges with substance abuse and tailor therapies that align with your healing journey. Our approach combines therapy, counseling, life skills training, relapse prevention strategies, and alternative therapies to maximize your chances of achieving lasting recovery. Whether you’re struggling with dependency or have concerns about a loved one, we’re here to offer guidance and support every step of the way.
Contact WhiteSands Treatment today at 877-855-3470 to learn about treatment programs and how we can help you build a brighter, healthier future.
External Sources
- Cleveland Clinic – Alprazolam Tablets
- AP News – US warns about fake, dangerous pills being sold in Mexico
- National Library of Medicine – A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
