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Didrex

Drug class – Oral appetite suppressant
Brand Names: Didrex

Didrex is an oral appetite suppressant which is used as a short-term supplement to diet and exercise in the treatment of obesity. Didrex is the brand name for the generic drug benzphetamine. It is also known as an ‘anorectic’ or 'anorexigenic' drug, since the main active ingredient in Didrex is the anorectic agent benzphetamine hydrochloride. It is a sympathomimetic amine, bearing the closest similarity to an amphetamine.

How to use

• Didrex should be taken only on consultation with a doctor to guard against possible side effects and probable drug interactions.
• Didrex exemplifies the best effect when taken in an empty stomach an hour before meals. But care should be taken that the diet pill is not crushed or chewed contemplating side effects.
• Didrex is mainly used in the short term treatment of obesity. Therefore, it should not be used for more than 8 to 12 weeks considering the possibilities for addiction.
• Didrex is not to be used as a substitute for diet. Moreover, it should only be administered as a prescription medication to assist with the battle of obesity and should not be used for "cosmetic" weight loss.

Side Effects

The initial adjustment: As your body adjusts to the medication, you may have blurred vision, dizziness, dry mouth, sleeplessness, changes in sex drive, irritability, stomach or intestinal problems, constipation or unpleasant taste during the first few days.

What to avoid: Didrex may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or restlessness, and may even hide the symptoms of extreme tiredness. Therefore, use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.

Consult a doctor: Consult your doctor if these effects persist or you experience chest pain, nervousness, pounding heart, over stimulation, difficulty in urinating, mood swings, breathing difficulties, restlessness, or swelling. Side effects may also include skin abnormalities, insomnia, irritability, hyperactivity, personality changes, and psychosis

Drug interaction

• Consult your doctor and inform about all the prescription and nonprescription drugs you use.
• Inform your doctor if you are taking antidepressants, hypertension or weight loss drugs as these drugs may deter the effects of Didrex.
• Notify your doctor before taking Didrex if you are suffering from hypertension and are on drugs like guanethidine (Ismelin) as Didrex is said to reduce its effect thus causing an elevation in blood pressure levels.
• Do not take Didrex especially if you are on monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) like furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) even in the last 14 days.
• Avoid "stimulant" drugs that may increase your heart rate such as decongestants or caffeine.
• Use Didrex after judging all possibilities of drug interaction.

Precautions

• It is advisable to consult a doctor before taking Didrex if you are affected by conditions like hypertension, glaucoma, diabetes, depression, thyroid problems etc.
• Limit the use of alcohol while using Didrex as alcohol can cause lightheadedness.
• This drug is not recommended for use in children.
• Didrex should not be taken by pregnant woman since FDA has put Benzphetamine in the pregnancy category X. This means that benzphetamine may cause birth defects in an unborn baby.
• Didrex should not also be used by lactating mothers. Though not clinically proved, there is possibility that this diet pill may be passed into breast milk. Therefore, consult your doctor for you may have to stop nursing or stop using this drug.
• Those suffering from epilepsy or seizures should not take Didrex.
• Caution should be used, as Didrex has been indicated in the development of cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart that diminishes the heart's performance.

Dosage

• Didrex is taken one to three times a day, before meals, on an empty stomach or as prescribed by the doctor.
• The initial dosage of Didrex ranges from 25 to 50 mg one to three times daily, with simultaneous increase in dosage and frequency based on response.
• In any case, Didrex diet pills are strictly advised to be used only under medical supervision so as to prevent probable drug interaction and possible side-effects.
• The dosage for the drug varies from person to person depending upon the body metabolism.

Overdose: Seek emergency medical attention immediately. Symptoms of Didrex overdose include restlessness, tremor, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, convulsions, unconsciousness panic, drowsiness, aggressiveness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat and seizures.

Missed dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is too late or almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. A dose taken too late in the day will cause insomnia. Never take a double dose of this medication.

Storage
Didrex diet pill should be stored at room temperature in a cool and dry place. Keep away from the reach of children.

Important note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be interpreted to indicate that use of the drug is safe, apt, or effectual for you. It is recommended that you consult your healthcare provider before using this drug.