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.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking 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 of benzphetamine?
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.
Where can I get more information about benzphetamine?
Your pharmacist has information about benzphetamine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of benzphetamine?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking benzphetamine and
seek emergency medical attention:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
an irregular heartbeat or very high blood pressure (severe
headache, blurred vision); or
hallucinations, abnormal behavior, or confusion.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take benzphetamine and talk to your doctor if you experience
restlessness or tremor,
anxiety or nervousness
headache or dizziness,
insomnia,
dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth,
diarrhea or constipation, or
impotence or changes in your sex drive.
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.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical
advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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 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.
What other drugs will affect benzphetamine?
You cannot take benzphetamine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such
as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil) in the last 14 days.
Changes in insulin and other diabetes drug therapies may be necessary during treatment with
benzphetamine.
Benzphetamine may reduce the effects of guanethidine (Ismelin). This could lead to an increase
in blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you are taking guanethidine.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking a tricyclic antidepressant such as
amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), imipramine
(Tofranil), clomipramine (Anafranil), protriptyline (Vivactil), or desipramine (Norpramin). These drugs
may decrease the effects of benzphetamine.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with benzphetamine. Talk to your doctor
and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
What happens if I have an overdose of benzphetamine?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009