Drugs Q & A

Farmapram Vs Xanax; Which is Better?

Xanax is Pfizer’s brand of alprazolam, a prescription medicine that is used to treat anxiety disorders. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved alprazolam in 1981. Xanax is also used to treat panic disorders with or without a fear of places and situations that might cause panic, helplessness, or embarrassment (agoraphobia).

Similarly, Farmapram is also a brand of alprazolam in Mexico produced by Ifa Celtics. It is also used for the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety or anxiety linked with depression. Xanax and Farmapram are classified as Schedule IV controlled substances since they contain the same ingredient.

Do Farmapram and Xanax work in the same way?

Yes, both Farmapram and Xanax work by attaching to a receptor in your brain called the GABA-A (gamma-aminobutyric acid-A) receptor. When Alprazolam binds to this receptor, it has a calming effect on the brain.  For anxiety disorders, Alprazolam is often prescribed because it can help relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. However, other anxiety medications and talk therapy are better long-term choices for treating anxiety because Alprazolam has side effects, risk of overdose, and the potential for dependence.

These other treatments may take a few weeks to take effect though. So Alprazolam and other benzodiazepines are sometimes used as a “bridge” until other treatments can have a chance to work. For treating insomnia and behavioral therapy, other medications are generally preferred over Alprazolam.

What is the dosage of Farmapram and Xanax?

Farmapram typically comes in 2mg bars. Doctors will typically prescribe Alprazolam dosages of around 0.25 to 0.5 milligrams (mg) three times per day. Some people may require a dosage of up to 4 mg per day. For panic disorder, some doctors may prescribe dosages of up to 10 mg per day. The same applies to Xanax

How long do Farmapram and Xanax last?

Most people notice that Alprazolam will start to work within 1 to 2 hours. For healthy younger adults, half the dose of Alprazolam has left the body somewhere between 6.3 to 26.9 hours. The average is around 11 hours. 

It takes a little longer for Alprazolam to leave the body of healthy elderly people. Half the dose of Alprazolam has left the body in elderly people somewhere between 9 to 26.9 hours. The average is around 16 hours for this group. 

However, people stop feeling the effects of Alprazolam long before it leaves the body, which is why it is often taken more than once a day. It’s important to take it as prescribed. Taking too many doses can lead to dependence and accidental overdose.

What are the side effects of Farmapram and Xanax?

Farmapram and Xanax cause the same side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

•          drowsiness

•          light-headedness

•          headache

•          tiredness

•          dizziness

•          irritability

•          talkativeness

•          difficulty concentrating

•          dry mouth

•          increased salivation

•          changes in sex drive or ability

•          nausea

•          constipation

•          changes in appetite

•          weight changes

•          difficulty urinating

•          joint pain

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

•          shortness of breath

•          seizures

•          severe skin rash

•          yellowing of the skin or eyes

•          confusion

•          problems with speech

•          problems with coordination or balance

However, elderly patients are more likely to have unwanted effects (e.g. severe drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, clumsiness, or unsteadiness) and kidney, liver, or lung problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving this medicine.

Alprazolam may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Withdrawal Symptoms

Farmapram and Xanax are often prescribed for short-term use only because of their highly addictive nature. When people take it for longer than recommended (or without a prescription), their chance of developing a physical dependence on the drug is much higher, which makes sense now that you know about how the drug affects the brain.

This also makes a withdrawal from the drug a physically and mentally tough process. Even short-term users and users who follow their prescription may experience Alprazolam withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal Timeline

You can experience symptoms as early as 6 hours after your last dose. They will begin to get worse over time and peak in their intensity around 48 hours after your last dose.

Most of your withdrawal symptoms will be gone after 4 to 5 days. However, Alprazolam can permanently affect the brain, especially if you were a heavy and long-time user.

Your brain will need time to heal and time to relearn how to function normally without the drug. If you began taking Alprazolam as a treatment for anxiety, expect your condition to feel worse or more intense after you suddenly stop taking Alprazolam.

Other long-term effects that can be lifelong include psychosis, permanent cognitive damage, memory loss, and dementia.

You may also experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) that can also lead to withdrawal symptoms for months or years after quitting. With PAWS, you can experience classic withdrawal symptoms, drug cravings, permanent changes in mood, depression, social issues, and more.

Can I take Farmapram and Xanax together?

No, you should never take Farmapram and Xanax together. It will result in an overdose since they are the same medication. People who overdose on Xanax alone may experience mild drowsiness with normal or near-normal vital signs. A benzodiazepine overdose may also lead to slurred speech and an altered mental state. People who experience difficulty breathing after taking too much Xanax have likely taken the drug with another central nervous system (CNS) depressants or alcohol. Respiratory difficulties are uncommon in isolated Xanax overdoses.

What is the safest way to take Farmapram and Xanax?

Farmapram and Xanax can produce serious side effects and because of the risk of misuse and dependence, you should only take them under the supervision of a healthcare provider. If you and your provider decide that Alprazolam is right for you, take it at the lowest dose possible for the shortest time possible.

If you are taking Alprazolam, you should also avoid alcohol and certain drugs such as opioids (Vicodin, Oxycontin). These substances affect the brain in similar ways and can have an additive effect. They can lead to serious health complications such as breathing problems and sometimes even death. All of these substances have a high risk of misuse and dependence. For More Information On Xanax Visit: Is Xanax The Same As 2090V?

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Dr. Oche Otorkpa PG Cert, MPH, PhD

Dr. Oche is a seasoned Public Health specialist who holds a post graduate certificate in Pharmacology and Therapeutics, an MPH, and a PhD both from Texila American University. He is a member of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals and a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health in the UK. He authored two books: "The Unseen Terrorist," published by AuthorHouse UK, and "The Night Before I Killed Addiction."
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