Each year, a small percentage of the world’s population is affected by anxiety disorders. According to the statistics of the National Institute of Mental Health, in America, children suffer from anxiety at a rate of 7%, whereas adults suffer from anxiety at a rate of 19%.
Among the most common medications used to treat anxiety problems, alprazolam bars are available in a variety of colors and shapes. A range of doses allows people of different age groups to choose the alprazolam bar with a suitable strength.
Besides America, other parts of the world also prescribe it to treat anxiety. Though the names may differ from country to country.
Since it’s available in different colors and bar shapes, you may wonder whether Mexican alprazolam is any different from the one being sold in America. Here’s a short answer:
The first difference, as might be expected, is the manufacturing brand. The medication is sold under different brand names in both countries. Additionally, there might be a hint of other substances such as fentanyl in Mexican alprazolam.
If you’re interested in learning about more differences between Mexican and American alprazolam, keep on reading. I’ll also share the uses and side effects of this medication.
So, let’s dive into it…
What Is Alprazolam?
Alprazolam is a prescription medicine that is used to treat symptoms of anxiety.
Symptoms of anxiety may be of general nature or due to panic disorder. Alprazolam belongs to benzodiazepines, a class of medication that calms your nervous system.
Chemical Formula
C17H13ClN4
Dosage
The dosage of alprazolam depends on the patient’s age, weight, medical condition, and response to the medicine itself. Sometimes, your healthcare provider will vary the dosage until you start responding positively to a certain dosage.
Common Name
Alprazolam is commonly referred to as Xanax in the United States and Farmapram in Mexico.
Differences Between Mexican Alprazolam and American Alprazolam
Pfizer is the biopharmaceutical company of American Alprazolam, while Ifa Celtics is the supplier of this medication in Mexico.
| Mexican Alprazolam | American Alprazolam | |
| Name | Farmapram | Xanax |
| Comes in | Brown glass bottle | Blister packs |
| Doses | Usually comes in 2 mg | From 0.2 mg to 2 mg |
| Shapes and colors | There are no imprints on the bars | Xanax bars sold in the United States have ‘Xanax’ imprints on them |
| Counterfeit | Some fake versions are being sold in Mexico | It’s not easy to sell fake versions in the U.S |
How Long Does The Alprazolam Last?
Alprazolam may take an hour or two to kick in and the effects may last for five to six hours.
This is exactly why it is usually prescribed thrice a day. Though it might take two to four days to fully flush this medicine out of your system. The effects stay for a longer period when taken with alcohol.
It takes another dose to deal with the discomfort caused by the medication’s exit from your body after a while. When the effects of alprazolam disappear from your body, discomfort follows.
Why Are Alprazolam So Controversial?
Xanax—also known as alprazolam—seems to be the most controversial yet most prescribed benzodiazepine. Even though it keeps you calm and relaxed, taking it excessively might build a dependence.
It is indicated on the brochure of Xanax that it puts users at risk of addiction and abuse. In 2011, there were more than 150,000 emergency cases of misusing Xanax as a treatment for anxiety disorders.
It’s also suggested not to drive when one is under the influence of Xanax. Since alprazolam (the generic name of Xanax) makes you feel dizzy, the best time to take this medication is before sleeping time.
Side Effects of Overdosing on Alprazolam
Overdosing on Xanax or Alprazolam can cause serious side effects. You should always consult your doctor before taking it along with other medications.
Taking alprazolam with alcohol or other opioid medications can result in an overdose, which might lead to the following symptoms:
- Increased heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Breathing problem
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Coma
The symptoms can get more intense when the purpose of taking this medication is to not treat anxiety but to deal with depression or sleepiness. There are clear warnings from the FDA that you shouldn’t take it for other purposes than treating anxiety.
Furthermore, it’s not recommended to exceed the prescribed dosage. There are also cases in which the symptoms are severe enough to cause death.
Withdrawal
The mistake most people make is that they take alprazolam for sleeping disorders while it hasn’t yet been approved for this purpose, as its prime purpose is to treat anxiety symptoms.
Withdrawal from it can cause a great risk to your life. The first couple of days might be bearable, but by the third and fourth days, it might become unbearable.
Withdrawal of the medication might cause the following physical as well as psychological effects:
- Cold sweats
- Tremors
- Anxiety
- Foggy brain
- Back or leg cramps
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Discomfort
- Anxiety
- Trouble sleeping
- Vomiting
If you’re taking a high dose of alprazolam, you shouldn’t attempt to stop using it on your own. Instead, you should seek medical attention. In such a case, you might even face a serious risk to your health or even life.
It’s not advisable to quit this medication without consulting a specialist.
Are All Alprazolams The Same?
Since alprazolam, the brand name Xanax, is being sold in different strengths, shapes, and colors, it seems impossible to identify the fake one. The fake Xanax will contain no or very little alprazolam.
The chances of harmful substances being present in counterfeit Xanax are high. It is more likely that this medicine will be counterfeit if you buy it from an online store.
Therefore, make sure to buy these medicines only from certified pharmacies.
| Color | Shape | Strength |
| Orange | Oval | 0.5 mg |
| Yellow Xanax XR | Pentagon | 0.5 mg |
| White bar | Rectangular | 2 mg |
| White | Oval | 0.25 mg |
| Blue | Oval | 1 mg |
What Are The Side Effects of Alprazolam?
In contrast to its intended effect of calming users, alprazolam may also have the opposite effect; it may take some time to get used to it. The period you should take it for is around 6 weeks, and taking it any longer can make you dependent on it.
An Alprazolam bar might make you feel:
- Tired
- Dizzy
- Drowsy
- Lose concentration
- Fatigued
- Depressed
Because of Xanax’s side effects, it’s not recommended for pregnant or nursing women.
Conclusion
- As a calm-inducing medication, alprazolam helps reduce anxiety symptoms regardless of where it is manufactured.
- Mexican alprazolam differs from American alprazolam by its brand name.
- There may also be other differences, such as the presence of fentanyl in Mexican alprazolam.
- In addition, you should be aware of counterfeit alprazolam. You should never buy this item from unreliable sellers on the street or online.