Benzphetamine Tablets

What is this medication?

BENZPHETAMINE (benz FET a meen) promotes weight loss. It can be used short-term to promote weight loss when other therapies have not worked or cannot be tolerated. It works by decreasing appetite.

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:

• Agitation
• Are taking other medications for weight loss
• Glaucoma
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• High thyroid levels
• History of substance use disorder
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to benzphetamine, tartrazine dye, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

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

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication 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 medication with any of the following:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Other CNS stimulants, such as medications for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Acetazolamide
• Medications for high blood pressure and heart conditions
• Medications for mental health conditions, 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 care team for regular checks on your progress.

This medication 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 medication 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 medication is intended to be used in addition to a healthy diet and exercise. The best results are achieved this way. This medication is only indicated for short-term use. Tell your care team if this medication 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 care team.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart valve disease—shortness of breath, chest pain, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, fever, sudden weight gain, fast or irregular heartbeat
• Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
• Pulmonary hypertension—shortness of breath, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, feeling faint or lightheaded, fatigue, swelling of the ankles or feet

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

• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Tremor
• 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 and pets. This medication can be abused. Keep it in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share it with anyone. It is only for you. Selling or giving away this medication is dangerous and against the law.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F).

This medication may cause harm and death if it is taken by other adults, children, or pets. It is important to get rid of the medication as soon as you no longer need it, or if it is expired. You can do this in two ways:

• Take the medication back to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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.