WEIGHT LOSS PILL TYPE: An Appetite suppressant and amphetamine like stimulant. Phendimetrazine was approved for weight management by the Food and Drug Administration in 1961. It is a schedule III controlled substance.
SOLD AS: Phendimetrazine comes in 35-mg tablets, 30 mg capsules, and 105-mg sustained-release capsules.
RESEARCH/COMMENTS: Phendimetrazine has been in use for approximately forty years, which means most of the research on this drug is quite dated.
WHAT IS IT SUPPOSED TO DO: Phendimetrazine stimulates the satiety (feeling of fullness) center in the hypothalamus and limbic parts of the brain, where appetite and craving for food are managed. There is some proof that phendimetrazine may in the short term improve the metabolic rate, but this has not shown. Phendimetrazine can result in weight reduction along with a rise in energy level. Nevertheless, weight reduction may be temporary only, particularly if the drug is discontinued. To keep up weight loss or to continue to lose additional weight after stopping phendimetrazine, it is vital to adhere to an intelligent eating plan and an exercise program.
HOW TO TAKE IT: The standard dose is a 35-mg tablet or capsule 3 times daily before meals, or a 105-mg sustained release capsule before lunch. In order to avoid sleeping problems, take the regular tablets 4 to 6 hours before going to bed or the sustained capsules 10 to 14 hours before you retire. Because drug tolerance develops within 3 to 12 weeks: phendimetrazine should nt be used for longer than 3 months.
If you miss a dose, take the missed dose immediately unless it is nearly time for your next one, In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
SIDE EFFECTS: Typical side effects include restlessness; insomnia; dizziness; tremors; palpitations; blurred vision; constipation; dry mouth; and change in sex drive. Uncommon effects include very high blood pressure; hallucinations; cardiac arrest; coma; convulsions; and death. On February 13, 1998, a “black box” warning was included with the product’s labeling suggesting that there is a risk of valvular disease and primary pulmonary hypertension when taking this drug. This sort of warning is the strongest the industry issues for drugs and must be critically viewed as before taking phendimetrazine.
PRECAUTIONS: Use of phendimetrazine may slow up the effectiveness of any blood pressure drugs you are taking. If you use this drug along with MAO inhibitors or the antimicrobial drug furazolidone, it can boost blood pressure and your chance of stroke. If you suddenly stop taking phendimetrazine, you might encounter withdrawal symptoms such as’ extreme fatigue, depression, and trouble sleeping.
Do not take phendimetrazine if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Phendimetrazine is a schedule II drug, meaning it has a high possibility of abuse, greater than that of other nonamphetamine stimulants.
Talk to your doctor before taking phendimetrazine in case you are using any of these drugs, as negative interactions may occur: MAO inhibitors; phenothiazine tranquilizers; antihypertensive medications; insulin or oral diabetic medications; over-the-counter cough; cold, and asthma drugs. Avoid caffeine items while taking phendimetrazine.