Didrex Information

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

Benzphetamine 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.

What is Didrex (benzphetamine)?

Benzphetamine 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 this medication guide.

Who should not take Didrex?

You should not take Didrex is you have any of the following conditions:

• Heart disease or high blood pressure
• Arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries);
• 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 a history of the following conditions:

• complications  with your thyroid
• an anxiety disorder
• epilepsy or another seizure disorder, or diabetes

You may not be able to take Didrex, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

In addition: Do not take Didrex if you are pregnant. Didrex is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that Didrex will cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Didrex should not be used if an individual is breast-feeding.

How should I take Didrex?

• 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 this medication 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

What happens if I miss a dose of Didrex?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention !!!

What are some of the symptoms of a Didrex overdose?

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

What should I avoid while taking Didrex?

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

What are the possible side effects of benzphetamine?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, 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

Is Didrex habit forming?

Benzphetamine 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.

What other drugs will affect benzphetamine?

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