benzphetamine – oral, Didrex
Medication Uses: Benzphetamine is used short-term with a doctor-approved, reduced-calorie diet, exercise, and behavior change program to help you lose weight. It is used in obese people who have not been able to lose enough weight with diet and exercise alone. Losing weight and keeping it off can reduce health risks associated with obesity, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a shorter life. The way this medication helps people to lose weight is not known. It may work by decreasing appetite, increasing energy expenditure, or affecting certain parts of the brain. Benzphetamine is an appetite suppressant and belongs to a class of drugs called sympathomimetic amines.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually 1-3 times a day as directed by your doctor. Taking this medication late in the day may cause insomnia. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this medication regularly and exactly as prescribed to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Benzphetamine is usually taken for only a few weeks at a time. It should not be taken with other appetite suppressants. Serious side effects are more likely with longer use and use with other diet drugs. This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if used regularly for a long time or in high doses. Gradually reduce your dose to prevent withdrawal reactions. Abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction) is possible. Do not increase your dose or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Stop the medication properly when directed. This medication may stop working well after prolonged use. Talk to your doctor if this occurs. Do not increase the dose without medical instruction.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, dry mouth, difficulty sleeping, irritability, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Serious side effects include fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, mental/mood changes, uncontrolled muscle movements, change in sexual ability/interest, severe headache, slurred speech, seizure, weakness on one side of the body, vision changes. These rare but very serious side effects require immediate medical attention. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of a serious allergic reaction occur. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking benzphetamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or any other sympathomimetic amines, or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, history of alcohol/drug abuse, mental/mood problems, high blood pressure in the lungs, stroke, overactive thyroid, diabetes, kidney disease, or seizures. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery until you are sure you can do so safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Check your blood sugar levels regularly if you have diabetes. Before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use. Elderly people may be at greater risk for dizziness and high blood pressure while using this drug. Benzphetamine must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. This drug may pass into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Some products that may interact with this drug include drugs for depression, phenothiazines, other stimulants. Tell your doctor if you have taken other appetite-suppressant drugs in the past year. Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious drug interaction. Check the labels on all your medicines/herbal products because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Caffeine can increase the side effects of this medication.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include rapid breathing, unusual restlessness, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, chest pain, hallucinations, seizures, loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Appetite suppressants should not be used in place of a proper diet. Use this drug along with a doctor-approved diet and exercise program. Regular medical tests may be performed to monitor progress.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
