Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine medication that acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to reduce symptoms of anxiety and panic disorder. Alprazolam acts on specific receptors in the CNS called GABA receptors to reduce their activity. Since the receptors are responsible for symptoms of anxiety, the reduction of their activity leads to a decrease in symptoms.
In the US, alprazolam is FDA-approved for acute (or short-term) treatment of generalized anxiety disorder in adults and panic disorder in adults. When a healthcare provider decides to prescribe alprazolam for other conditions, it is considered ‘off-label use’. This type of use should be done cautiously, and always under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Both Farmapram and Xanax are brand-name products for alprazolam. Farmapram is manufactured by IFA Celtics for use in Mexico, and Xanax is manufactured by Pfizer for use in the US. There are also numerous generic versions of alprazolam approved and manufactured for use in the US. It is important to note that while the active ingredient of both is the same, other ingredients may differ between the two formulations causing different effects or even differing risks of allergies.