What to Know About Farmapram (Xanax) Addiction, Treatment & Withdrawal
Key Takeaways
- Xanax addiction involves misuse and can lead to severe withdrawal - Jump to Section
- Signs of Xanax misuse include mood changes and secretive behavior - Jump to Section
- Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, and high blood pressure - Jump to Section
- Treat Xanax addiction with medical detox and therapy - Jump to Section
- Support loved ones by learning and avoiding enabling behaviors - Jump to Section
- Prevent addiction by using Xanax only as prescribed - Jump to Section
- Use helplines and professionals for addiction support - Jump to Section
Xanax (alprazolam) is a potent benzodiazepine that treats various conditions. In Mexico, it’s also known as Xanax bars or Farmapram.
Some conditions Xanax can treat include insomnia, depression, social phobias, seizures, panic disorders, and generalized anxiety disorder.
It increases the activity of natural chemicals in the brain, impacting the central nervous system to reduce nervousness and tension. It also binds to brain receptor sites for calmness and relaxation.
Unfortunately, people abuse this drug for its euphoric effects and to enhance the effects of other drugs. Over time, addiction and mental and physical dependence can develop.
What are the Symptoms of Xanax Misuse and Addiction?
Here are some signs that someone may be misusing Xanax:
- Keeping Xanax pills around at all times (often in little baggies)
- Missing work or family obligations
- Secretive behavior and dishonesty
- Sleeping all the time
- Decreased sex drive
- Mood swings
- Personality changes
- “Doctor shopping” (to obtain new prescriptions)
- Constantly appearing disoriented and sluggish
What are Xanax Overdose Symptoms?
The maximum recommended dose for Xanax is four milligrams. Each Xanax bar is two milligrams, so anything over two bars is an overdose.
Symptoms of an overdose include:
- Inability to stay awake
- Shallow breathing
- Slurred speech
- Slowed reflexes
- Rapid or irregular heart rate
- Hallucinations
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Depression
- Tremors
- Unusual talkativeness
- Joint discomfort
- Coma
What to Do if You Overdose on Xanax
Overdoses of Xanax by itself are rarely fatal. However, people often misuse Xanax with opiates and alcohol, so an overdose can be extremely dangerous in such situations.
Compared to other benzodiazepine medications, a Xanax overdose is also more toxic. It requires immediate attention, so seek medical help immediately if you suspect you or a loved one has overdosed on Xanax.
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What are Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms?
Some Xanax withdrawal signs, such as delirium and psychosis, are different from other benzodiazepine medications. Other symptoms of Xanax withdrawal are common to other benzodiazepines but more severe, including:
- Rebounding anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Seizures
- Insomnia
- High blood pressure
- Elevated heart rate
Xanax withdrawal symptoms can begin within hours of the last dose. They last between 10 and 14 days.
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Treatment Options for Xanax Addiction
Farmapram or Xanax abuse and dependence require medical supervision. However, people respond to treatment differently, so finding the right treatment option is essential.
Common treatment options for addiction and dependence include:
- Inpatient treatment: You stay in a secure hospital setting and receive 24/7 treatment from medical professionals
- Outpatient treatment: You receive flexible treatment that allows you to readjust to daily life and responsibilities
- Dual diagnosis: You receive treatment for co-occurring addiction and mental illness
- Partial hospitalization programs: A structured treatment program where you receive treatment during the day and return home at night
Never try to overcome your addiction at home or without supervision. Some side effects of alprazolam withdrawal can be deadly, especially if convulsions or seizures occur.
Medical Detox
The first step in treating Xanax addiction is a medical detox. It involves using other drugs to manage withdrawal symptoms.
Professionals recommend tapering off Xanax gradually by replacing it with another less potent benzodiazepine. Because seizures and depression are typical withdrawal symptoms, anti-seizure medication and antidepressants may also be necessary.
Therapies
After detoxing, treatment should involve therapy to treat the drivers of addiction. Examples of such include depression and anxiety disorders, which Xanax treats.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational enhancement therapy successfully treat these conditions.
Guidance for Caregivers and Family Members
Here are some ways to provide support and help those addicted to Xanax:
- Educate yourself about the drug: Research and learn more about Xanax addiction, its signs, symptoms, and effects on the body. The more knowledge you have, the better you understand your loved one’s struggles.
- Encourage them to seek treatment: Offer your support and encouragement to seek professional help. Let them know you’re always by their side, and you can accompany them to appointments or even help them find a treatment facility.
- Be patient and understanding: Recovery from addiction is a long process, and there will be setbacks along the way. It’s essential to be patient and understanding with your loved one as they work towards sobriety.
- Avoid enabling behaviors: It can be tempting to try and protect your loved one from the consequences of their addiction, but this can actually hinder their recovery. Avoid giving them money or making excuses for their behavior.
- Take care of yourself: Supporting a loved one through addiction can be emotionally and physically draining. Take care of your well-being, and seek support from others if necessary.
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How Can You Prevent Xanax Addiction?
To help prevent Xanax addiction, it’s essential to follow these steps:
- Only take Xanax as prescribed: Don’t take more than the necessary dose or for a longer period than your doctor prescribed.
- Avoid sharing prescriptions: Never share your prescription with someone else or use someone else’s medication. This can lead to dependency and other health risks.
- Keep track of your medication: Keep them safe and secure, and monitor how many you have left. This can help prevent accidental overdose or misuse.
- Seek help for mental health conditions: Many people turn to drugs as a way to self-medicate underlying mental health conditions. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, seek proper treatment and support.
Resources for Help and Support
If you or someone you know is struggling with Xanax addiction, there are resources available to help. Consider reaching out to:
- National Helpline: 1-800-237-TALK (8255)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) treatment locator
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
- Your primary care provider or a mental health professional: Consult them for personalized guidance and treatment options
Summary
Xanax addiction can be dangerous and even deadly. Misuse of the drug is common due to convenience and potency.
Withdrawal symptoms can be severe and require medical supervision. Fortunately, there are telltale signs of Xanax misuse and addiction, such as secretive behavior and always keeping pills on hand.
Seek immediate medical help if you suspect an overdose or dependence on Farmapram or Xanax. Treatment options include the options above to help overcome addiction and start recovery.
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- U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Alprazolam.” MedlinePlus, 2021.
- “Alprazolam (Xanax).” National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2024.
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- Yerby, N. “Xanax Bars.” RehabSpot, 2023.
- Darke et al. “Circumstances and toxicology of sudden or unnatural deaths involving alprazolam.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2014.
- Ait-Daoud et al. “A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal.” Journal of Addiction Medicine, 2018.
- Warner et al. “National Vital Statistics Reports.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016.
