Benzphetamine tablets

What is this medication?

BENZPHETAMINE (benz FET a meen) decreases your appetite. It is used with a reduced calorie diet and exercise to help you lose weight. This medicine is only meant to be used for a few weeks and should not be used with other weight loss medicines.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Didrex, Regimex

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•are taking other medicine for weight loss

•agitation

•glaucoma

•heart disease

•high blood pressure

•history of drug dependence or substance abuse

•hyperthyroid

•kidney disease

•liver disease

•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 use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take this medicine within 6 hours of your normal bedtime because it may cause insomnia. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not suddenly stop your medicine. You must gradually reduce the dose or you may feel withdrawal effects. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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 may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

•MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

•other CNS stimulants, such as medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

•acetazolamide

•medicines for high blood pressure and heart medicines

•medicines for mental problems, depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

•methazolamide

•sodium bicarbonate

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

This medicine may affect your concentration, or hide signs of tiredness. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine is intended to be used in addition to a healthy diet and exercise. The best results are achieved this way. This medicine is only indicated for short-term use. Tell your doctor 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 dose without advice from your doctor or health care professional.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•anxiety, or severe nervousness

•breathing problems

•changes in mood or behavior

•chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat

•dizziness or fainting

•fever, or hot, dry skin

•hallucinations or paranoia

•increased blood pressure

•nervousness or restlessness

•seizures

•swelling of the legs or ankles

•tremors

•unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•headache

•increase or decrease in sexual desire or performance

•mild stomach upset

•trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Dispose of properly. This medicine may cause accidental overdose and death if it is taken by other adults, children, or pets. Mix any unused medicine with a substance like cat litter or coffee grounds. Then throw the medicine away in a sealed container like a sealed bag or a coffee can with a lid. Do not use this medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.