Alprazolam, sold under the brand name Xanax, Farmapram among others, is a short-acting tranquilizer of the triazolobenzodiazepine class, which are benzodiazepines fused with a triazole ring. It is most commonly used in short-term management of anxiety disorders, specifically panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder.
Several companies in Mexico produce Xanax (Alprazolam), the most popular brand of Mexican Xanax bars being Farmapram. The U.S. has the highest prescription drug costs in the world, prompting many people to seek savings by buying their medicines from Canadian or Mexican pharmacies.
How many Xanax can you bring back from Mexico?
People are allowed to bring FDA-approved prescription medications back into the United States for personal use, with the following stipulations. In general, people may bring up to 50 dosage units without a prescription. To bring more than 50 dosage units of Xanax across the border you need a prescription from an FDA-approved U.S. physician. A prescription from a Mexican doctor is no longer acceptable.
However, U.S. Customs agents may prohibit a supply that is for more than 60 to 90 days. All medications including Mexican Xanax Bars must also be declared upon arrival and be in their original containers. Drugs that are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration may not be acceptable for such importation. It is against the law not to properly declare imported medications with U.S. Customs.
How should I take Mexican Xanax?
Take Mexican Xanax bars exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Never use Xanax in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.
Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Xanax is usually taken for no longer than 4 months to treat anxiety disorder, and for no longer than 10 weeks to treat panic disorder. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse. If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.
Do not stop using Mexican Xanax suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Follow your doctor’s instructions about tapering your dose.
Misuse of Mexican Xanax
People often misuse Xanax for the fast acting, relaxed “high” it can provide. According to the Treatment Episode Data Set, the number of people seeking treatment for benzodiazepine misuse almost tripled in 1998–2008. Long-term misuse and addiction to Xanax are associated with depression, psychotic experiences, and aggressive or impulsive behavior.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in 2011, there were over 1.2 million emergency room (ER) visits related to the nonmedical use of prescription drugs. Xanax was involved in around 10% of those visits. The number of ER visits involving the nonmedical use of Xanax doubled from 57,419 to 124,902 during 2005–2010 and remained stable at 123,744 in 2011.
The most common drug combinations that healthcare professionals encountered in people presenting to ER were Xanax with alcohol and Xanax with prescription opiates such as hydrocodone (Zohydro ER) and oxycodone (OxyContin).
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose on Mexican Xanax?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of alprazolam can be fatal. Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, loss of balance or coordination, feeling light-headed, and fainting.
What to avoid
Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries. Grapefruit may also interact with alprazolam and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.
Mexican Xanax side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Xanax: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Alprazolam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication, alcohol, or other drugs that can slow your breathing. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have weak or shallow breathing, if you are hard to wake up, or if you stop breathing.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- weak or shallow breathing;
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- a seizure;
- hallucinations, risk-taking behavior;
- increased energy, decreased need for sleep;
- racing thoughts, being agitated or talkative;
- double vision; or
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
The sedative effects of alprazolam may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.
Common Xanax side effects may include:
- drowsiness; or
- feeling light-headed.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
What other drugs will affect Xanax?
Sometimes, it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
Taking Xanax with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, prescription cough medicine, or medicine for depression or seizures. Read: How to Spot Fake Mexican Xanax Pill Vs Real
