phendimetrazine

Generic Name: phendimetrazine
Other Brand Names: Adipost, Anorex-SR, Appecon, Bontril PDM, Bontril Slow-Release, Melfiat, Obezine, Phendiet, Plegine, Prelu-2, Statobex

What is phendimetrazine?

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

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Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking phendimetrazine?

You cannot take phendimetrazine 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 phendimetrazine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

It is not known whether phendimetrazine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take phendimetrazine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is also not known whether phendimetrazine passes into breast milk. Do not take phendimetrazine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take phendimetrazine?

Take phendimetrazine 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.

Phendimetrazine is usually taken once a day (sustained release formula) or two to three times daily (immediate-release formula) before meals on an empty stomach.

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

Do not crush, chew, or open any "once-daily” phendimetrazine tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole.

Never take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much phendimetrazine could be very dangerous to your health.

Store phendimetrazine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose of phendimetrazine?

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 phendimetrazine?
Your pharmacist has information about phendimetrazine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of phendimetrazine?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking phendimetrazine 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 phendimetrazine and talk to your doctor if you experience

  • restlessness or tremor,

  • nervousness or anxiety,

  • headache or dizziness,

  • insomnia,

  • dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth,

  • diarrhea or constipation, or

  • impotence or changes in your sex drive.

Phendimetrazine 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.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

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

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

Phendimetrazine 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.

Do not crush, chew, or open any "once-daily” phendimetrazine tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole.

What should I avoid while taking phendimetrazine?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Phendimetrazine 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 phendimetrazine late in the day. A dose taken too late in the day can cause insomnia.

What other drugs will affect phendimetrazine?

You cannot take phendimetrazine 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 phendimetrazine.

Phendimetrazine 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 phendimetrazine.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with phendimetrazine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

What happens if I have an overdose of phendimetrazine?

Seek emergency medical attention.

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

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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. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008