Benzphetamine



Didrex®







Benzphetamine

(benz FET a meen)

U.S. Brand Names
Didrex®
Canadian Brand Names
Didrex®
Pharmacologic Category
Anorexiant
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to benzphetamine or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Both attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and Tourette's syndrome or tics, diabetes mellitus, drug abuse, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, nervous states, overactive thyroid disease, or symptomatic disease of the heart or blood vessels.
  • If you are taking a weight loss medicine.
  • If you have taken isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine) must be stopped 14 days before this medicine is started. Taking the two together could cause dangerously high blood pressure.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat abnormal behavioral syndrome in children with minimal brain dysfunction.
  • This medicine is used to treat attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity.
  • This medicine is used to treat depression.
  • This medicine is used to treat narcolepsy.
  • This medicine is used to treat obesity.
How does it work?
  • Benzphetamine stimulates the brain in adults to increase alertness.
  • It has a stabilizing effect in children with attention deficit disorder.
  • It acts in the brain to decrease appetite.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine early in the day to avoid sleep problems.
  • Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
  • Limit caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate intake. Use with this medicine may cause nervousness, shakiness, and fast heartbeat.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Nervous and excitable.
  • Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Not hungry.
  • Inability to sleep.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly if you have heart disease.
  • Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Chest pain or pressure, fast heartbeat, or passing out.
  • Very nervous and excitable.
  • Severe headache.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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