benzphetamine Health Article

Generic name(s):

benzphetamine

Brand name(s):

Didrex

What is the most important information I should know about benzphetamine?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Benzphetamine may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or restlessness, and it may hide the symptoms of extreme tiredness. If you experience these effects, avoid hazardous activities. Benzphetamine is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on this medication, and withdrawal effects may occur if you stop taking it suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Talk to your doctor about stopping this medication gradually.

What is benzphetamine?

Benzphetamine is a sympathomimetic amine, which is similar to an amphetamine. It is also known as an "anorectic" or "anorexigenic" drug. Benzphetamine stimulates your central nervous system (nerves and brain), which increases your heart rate and blood pressure and decreases your appetite.

Benzphetamine is used as a short-term supplement to diet and exercise in the treatment of obesity.

Benzphetamine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take benzphetamine?

You cannot take benzphetamine if you

• have heart disease or high blood pressure;

• have arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries);

• have glaucoma;

• have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil) in the last 14 days; or

• have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• problems with your thyroid,

• an anxiety disorder,

• epilepsy or another seizure disorder, or

• diabetes.

You may not be able to take benzphetamine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Do not take benzphetamine if you are pregnant. Benzphetamine is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that benzphetamine will cause birth defects in an unborn baby. It is not known whether benzphetamine passes into breast milk. Do not take benzphetamine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take benzphetamine?

Take benzphetamine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Benzphetamine is usually taken one to three times a day, before meals, on an empty stomach. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not take benzphetamine in the evening because it may cause insomnia.

Never take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much benzphetamine could be very dangerous to your health. Store benzphetamine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose or if it is already evening, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. A dose taken too late in the day will cause insomnia. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a benzphetamine overdose include restlessness, tremor, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, panic, aggressiveness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, an irregular heartbeat, and seizures.

What should I avoid while taking benzphetamine?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Benzphetamine may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or restlessness, and it may hide the symptoms of extreme tiredness. If you experience these effects, avoid hazardous activities.

Do not take benzphetamine late in the day. A dose taken too late in the day can cause insomnia.