Drug Info:
Benzphetamine
Brand names: Didrex®
- Español:
- Tabletas de benzfetamina
Benzphetamine tablets
What are benzphetamine tablets?
BENZPHETAMINE (Didrex®) is a medicine used to decrease appetite in overweight patients. Combined with a reduced calorie diet, it can help you reduce weight. This drug is meant to be used only for a short period of time (8—12 weeks). It should not be used along with other diet medications. Do not share this medicine with anyone else. Generic benzphetamine tablets are available.What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:• regularly drink alcohol-containing beverages
• diabetes or high blood sugar
• glaucoma
• hardening or blockages of the arteries or heart blood vessels
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• over-active thyroid gland
• psychotic illness, depressed mood, or suicidal thoughts
• recent weight loss
• seizure disorder
• an unusual or allergic reaction to benzphetamine, other amphetamines, other medicines, foods, tartrazine dye, other dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take benzphetamine tablets by mouth. Follow the specific directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water at least 30 minutes before eating. Do not take benzphetamine within 6 hours of your normal bedtime because it may cause insomnia. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.Remember: The prescription for benzphetamine is only for the person for whom it was prescribed. Never share or give your prescription to anyone else.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with benzphetamine?
• acetazolamide• alcohol containing beverages
• bupropion
• caffeine
• furazolidone
• guarana
• insulin and other medicines for diabetes
• levodopa
• linezolid
• lithium
• medicines called MAO inhibitors- examples: phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®)
• medicines for colds, sinus, and breathing difficulties
• medicines for high blood pressure and heart medicines
• medicines for mental problems, depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for seizures (convulsions) or epilepsy
• medicines to decrease appetite or cause weight loss, including nonprescription or herbal weight-loss medicines
• melatonin
• meperidine
• methazolomide
• pimozide
• propoxyphene
• selegiline
• sodium bicarbonate
• some medicines for migraines
• thyroid hormones
• tramadol
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking benzphetamine?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.This medicine may affect your concentration, or hide signs of tiredness. Until you know how this medicine affects you, do not drive, ride a bicycle, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if this medicine loses its effects, or if you feel you need to take more than the prescribed amount. Do not change the dosage without advice from your prescriber or health care professional. Do not suddenly stop your medication. You must gradually reduce the dose or you may feel withdrawal effects. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice.
If you are going to have surgery or will need an x-ray procedure that uses contrast agents, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.
What side effects may I notice from taking benzphetamine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:• anxiety, or severe nervousness
• changes in mood or behavior, including seeing or hearing things that are not really there or over-focused, staring-type behavior
• chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• fever, or hot, dry skin
• increased blood pressure
• muscle twitching
• skin rash and itching (hives)
• uncontrollable head, mouth, neck, arm, or leg movements
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Less Common or Rare:
• a sense of well being
• blurred vision
• changes in sexual ability or desire
• constipation or diarrhea
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• increased sweating
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach cramps
More Common, especially in the first few weeks of treatment:
• headache
• mild stomach upset
• nervousness, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Last updated: 7/1/2002
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
