About Didrex

Benzphetamine (Didrex) is a sympathomimetic amine, which is similar to an amphetamine. It is also known as an "anorectic" or "anorexigenic" drug. Didrex stimulates your central nervous system (nerves and brain), which increases your heart rate and blood pressure and decreases your appetite. Didrex is used as a short-term supplement to diet and exercise in the treatment of obesity. Didrex may also be used for purposes other than those listed in Didrex guide.

Didrex Side Effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects from Didrex, stop taking Didrex 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 Didrex 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
  

Didrex Interactions

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 Didrex, 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 Didrex or any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
  

Didrex Dosages

Take Didrex 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
• Didrex is usually taken one to three times a day, before meals, on an empty stomach. Follow your doctor's instructions
• Do not take Didrex in the evening because it may cause insomnia
• Never take more of Didrex than is prescribed for you. Too much Didrex could be very dangerous to your health
• Store Didrex at room temperature away from moisture and heat

If you miss a Didrex dose, do not double the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual Didrex dosing schedule.

Didrex Directions

Take Didrex about 30 minutes before a meal. Your last Didrex dose of the day must be taken at least 4 to 6 hours before bedtime. If you will be taking Didrex 1 time a day, take your dose in the morning.

Didrex and Pregnancy

Didrex should not be taken in early pregnancy or if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to it. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.

Didrex is not recommended during breastfeeding as it has not been shown to be safe, and may cause unwanted side effects in your newborn.

Didrex and Children

Keep Didrex and all medications out of the reach of children. Children under 18 should always consult their physician before taking any prescription medications including Didrex.

Didrex and Seniors

Didrex should be used with caution in those over 65. There are no special recommendations or cautions for seniors using Didrex. Check with your physician before taking Didrex to see if it's right for you.