Farmapram, also known as Mexican Xanax, is a benzodiazepine that doctors in Mexico prescribe for anxiety disorders and panic disorders. Its active ingredient, alprazolam, calms the central nervous system, providing relief for people suffering from anxiety, stress, or excessive worry.
Although similar to Xanax, Farmapram is far less regulated, making it more accessible. Less oversight also means some pills may contain dangerous substances, such as Fentanyl. It’s also less expensive than Xanax, making it a more affordable option. This article further explores Farmapram, its uses, and its risks.
Table of Contents
- What Is Farmapram (Mexican Xanax)?
- Common Uses of Farmapram
- The Risks and Side Effects of Farmapram Use
- Withdrawal Symptoms of Farmapram Dependency
- The Connection Between Farmapram and Substance Use Disorders
- Treatment Options for Farmapram Addiction at Illinois Recovery Center
- Safer Alternatives for Managing Anxiety Disorders
- How Illinois Recovery Center Can Help
What Is Farmapram (Mexican Xanax)?
Farmapram is prescribed in Mexico for conditions such as anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and stress-related disorders. Farmapram’s makeup includes alprazolam, a benzodiazepine that has sedative properties. While Farmapram is similar to the U.S.-prescribed Xanax, there are some notable differences.
The Differences Between Farmapram and U.S.-Prescribed Xanax
While both Xanax and Farmapram contain alprazolam, Farmapram is manufactured by Mexican pharmaceutical companies, and Xanax is manufactured by Pfizer. The FDA tightly regulates the dosages and makeup of Xanax. On the other hand, Farmapram is not as tightly controlled or inspected, which means dangerous ingredients could be easily added.
Legality and Accessibility
In Mexico, Farmapram requires a valid prescription. However, in some instances, it can be sold at pharmacies as an over-the-counter medication. This difference makes it an appealing option for those seeking an affordable and more accessible drug for their disorders. In the U.S., Xanax is a Schedule IV controlled drug, and patients need a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Common Uses of Farmapram
As part of the benzodiazepine family, Farmapram is often used to help calm the central nervous system. Here are some common uses of the drug.
Treatment for Different Disorders
Doctors typically prescribe Farmapram for anxiety disorders and panic disorders. These disorders can cause intense worry, restlessness, stress, and anxiety. By helping the mind and body relax, Farampram offers immediate relief.
Off-label Use and Recreational Misuse
Farmapram can also be used to help with muscle spasms or insomnia. However, due to the drug’s calming effects, it is often used recreationally. Misusing the medication or combining it with other substances can result in serious health risks, though, such as addiction or overdose.
Self-Medication
Some individuals may turn to Farmapram for self-medication, especially when they feel overwhelmed by symptoms like extreme anxiety, stress, or insomnia. Unless the drug is prescribed by a doctor (at appropriate dosages), it’s easy for people to shift into misuse.
The Risks and Side Effects of Farmapram Use
Although Farmapram can provide relief for those suffering from a variety of disorders, such as panic disorders, there are risks and side effects that come with using the drug.
Short-Term Side Effects
- Drowsiness and Fatigue: One of the main side effects of Farmapram is drowsiness and fatigue. While this can be calming, it can also be dangerous for individuals who need to drive or operate machinery.
- Impaired Cognitive Function: Another side effect is impaired cognitive function, including slower reaction times and difficulty concentrating. This can make it challenging to complete complex tasks.
- Dizziness and Coordination Issues: Some people feel dizzy and may feel unsteady, leading to falls or accidents.
- Increased Tolerance Leading to Dependency: With continued use, individuals may need higher doses to feel the same effects. This can eventually lead to dependency.
Long-Term Side Effects
- Increased Risk of Addiction and Dependency: It’s easy to develop an addiction to Farmapram if the medication is misused. However, even with a prescription, addiction and dependency are possible due to the drug’s euphoric effects.
- Worsening Mental Health Conditions: When the medication is reduced or stopped, individuals may notice their mental health conditions worsen. In fact, some people may have trouble coping without the medication.
- Risk of Overdose: When Farmapram is combined with other substances, such as alcohol, there may be a risk of overdose.
- Risks of Counterfeit Versions: Because Mexican pharmacies are less regulated than pharmacies in the U.S, Farmapram may contain other dangerous substances, such as fentanyl.
Withdrawal Symptoms of Farmapram Dependency
For individuals who have a Farmapram dependency, coming off the drug can lead to a range of withdrawal symptoms. After using Farmapram for an extended period, forcing the body to adapt without the drug can be challenging. Here are some withdrawal symptoms you may experience.
- Severe Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Since Farmapram is typically used to treat panic disorders and anxiety disorders, stopping the medication can lead to a violent rebound effect. Intense anxiety and panic attacks may return.
- Insomnia and Restlessness: Periods of insomnia and restlessness are common for individuals discontinuing the medication. This can make the withdrawal period uncomfortable.
- Muscle Tremors and Seizures: As the body and brain try to readjust without the medication, it goes into a period of overactivity. This can result in muscle tremors or seizures for some people.
- Heart Palpitations and High Blood Pressure: Some people experience heart palpitations and high blood pressure. This can be dangerous for those with pre-existing heart conditions.
- Risk of Life-Threatening Withdrawal Complications: Although rare, some individuals may experience status epilepticus (prolonged seizure lasting for 5 minutes or longer) when withdrawing from Farmapram.
Although not everyone will suffer severe withdrawal symptoms, it’s a good idea to undergo detox in a 24/7 medically supervised rehab center. This ensures you are well cared for in the event of any complications. A medically supervised detox also has healthcare professionals to monitor your psychological and physical health throughout the detox phase.
The Connection Between Farmapram and Substance Use Disorders
Understanding the connection between Framapram and substance use disorders is important for recognizing dependency issues.
One sign to be cognizant of is self-medication. When individuals take Farmapram to find relief for issues like stress, anxiety, or insomnia, it can quickly lead to misuse. Over time, the body may build tolerance and will need higher and higher doses to feel the same levels of calm. Unfortunately, this transition can go unnoticed.
The cycle of misuse can also interfere with daily activities, such as school, work, or family responsibilities. Once individuals have a substance use disorder, professional intervention may be necessary. Healthcare professionals who specialize in addiction can help provide tools to manage anxiety, insomnia, and stress without resorting to medication.
The Signs of a Benzodiazepine Addiction
Some of the signs an individual is addicted to a benzodiazepine like Farmapram are:
- Increased tolerance
- Constant cravings for the drug
- Physical dependence leading to withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped
- Being unable to quit
- Drug use has a negative effect on their daily lives
Treatment Options for Farmapram Addiction at Illinois Recovery Center
At Illinois Recovery Center, individuals struggling with a Farmapram addiction will find a variety of treatment options.
Medical Detox
Medical detox is the first step of recovery at our recovery center. Because detoxing from Farmapram can lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, our dedicated staff is available 24/7 to ensure there are no health complications. Our staff gradually tapers Farmapram so that individuals won’t suffer from the shock of an abrupt absence of the medication. We also use alternative medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms, such as insomnia, depression, and anxiety.
Inpatient Treatment
Our inpatient treatment program is a highly structured environment with 24/7 medical monitoring and support. Clients live at the center, in a judgment-free space, without distractions. This immersive program also provides structured therapy programs to address the root causes of addiction as well as underlying mental health issues.
Outpatient Treatment
For individuals with a mild substance use disorder, our outpatient treatment program is ideal. We offer flexible treatment plans that allow individuals to continue their daily responsibilities. There are also ongoing counseling and behavioral therapy sessions to ensure clients stay on track with their recovery journey.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Many individuals suffering from a Farmapram addiction also struggle with a mental health disorder, such as bipolar disorder or clinical depression. Our therapists have the training to treat co-occurring mental health conditions as well as substance use disorders. They create a personalized plan to ensure both conditions are treated comprehensively.
Safer Alternatives for Managing Anxiety Disorders
Managing anxiety disorders without a prescription can feel daunting, but there are safer alternatives to Farmapram.
Professional Mental Health Support
Therapists and counselors are trained to uncover the causes of your anxiety. They can then help you develop ways to manage this anxiety. Some effective behavioral-based therapies that can help with anxiety disorders include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).
Non-Addictive Medication Options
Non-addictive medications are also available, such as Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Beta-blockers, which can help with symptoms like a racing heart, are also non-addictive alternatives.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can make a significant impact on managing anxiety symptoms. Some adjustments include:
- Regular exercise
- Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation
- Deep-breathing exercises, such as yoga
- Improved nutrition
- Improved sleep
How Illinois Recovery Center Can Help
Every person who turns to Illinois Recovery Center has a unique set of needs. That’s why we perform comprehensive assessments to create individualized addiction treatment plans. By treating not just the addiction but the cause, we strive to provide a comprehensive approach to healing.
Our experienced medical staff specializes in benzodiazepine withdrawal and addiction recovery, ensuring your comfort and safety throughout your treatment process. That includes nutritional meals to strengthen your body and individualized counseling to heal your trauma.
To help maintain progress, we offer long-term aftercare programs and support groups. Our support groups are safe spaces where you or a loved one can connect with others going through similar experiences, while our aftercare services can better help you navigate life after treatment.
If you’re struggling with Farmapram dependence, seeking professional help is crucial. Illinois Recovery Center offers evidence-based treatment center and compassionate care in a judgment-free space. Contact Illinois Recovery Center to begin your journey to recovery.