Phendimetrazine is a medication used to promote weight loss when other therapies have not worked or cannot be tolerated, often for a short period. It functions by decreasing appetite. It is crucial for individuals considering or currently taking phendimetrazine to be well-informed about its uses, potential side effects, and necessary precautions.
What is Phendimetrazine?
Phendimetrazine is a medication that promotes weight loss by decreasing appetite. It is often prescribed when other weight loss therapies have proven ineffective or are not suitable for the patient. The drug is intended for short-term use as part of a comprehensive weight loss plan.
Brand Names
Phendimetrazine is available under several brand names, including Bontril SR, Melfiat 105 Unicelles, and Prelu-2.
How Phendimetrazine Works
Phendimetrazine is a prodrug for phenmetrazine, a more potent norepinephrine and dopamine releaser with known abuse potential. As a prodrug, phendimetrazine has a slower onset and likely decreased abuse potential. It shares discriminative stimulus effects with d-amphetamine and cocaine but is a less potent locomotor stimulant than d-amphetamine and methamphetamine.
Mechanism of Action
Phendimetrazine works by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce appetite. Cocaine enhances extracellular concentrations of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine by inhibiting the reuptake of these neurotransmitters at their respective transporters. Phendimetrazine, being a monoamine releaser, impacts these neurotransmitter systems, contributing to its appetite-suppressing effects.
Read also: Weight Loss Guide Andalusia, AL
Uses of Phendimetrazine
Phendimetrazine is primarily used as a short-term aid for weight loss in individuals who are also following a reduced-calorie diet and exercise plan. It is prescribed when other weight loss methods have not been successful.
Weight Loss
Phendimetrazine is used to promote weight loss when other therapies have not worked or cannot be tolerated. It helps patients stick to their diet by reducing their appetite. For example, one user shared that they had no desire to eat between meals, which was previously a significant problem for them.
Dosage and Administration
The medication should be taken by mouth with a glass of water, following the directions on the prescription label. It is typically taken 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. The capsules should be swallowed whole and not opened or chewed. It is important not to take the medication more often than directed and not to stop taking it suddenly, as this may cause a severe reaction. The healthcare team will advise on how much medication to take and how to slowly lower the dose over time if stopping the medication.
Potential Side Effects
Like all medications, phendimetrazine can cause side effects. It's important to be aware of these potential effects and to discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects that usually do not require medical attention include:
Read also: Beef jerky: A high-protein option for shedding pounds?
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Tremors or shaking
- Trouble sleeping
Report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects require immediate medical attention. These include:
- 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)
Considerations for Diabetic Patients
For diabetic patients, this medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If there are any changes noticed in blood or urine sugar tests, consult with your doctor.
Risks and Warnings
Phendimetrazine carries several risks and warnings that patients need to be aware of before starting the medication.
Contraindications
Phendimetrazine should not be used if you have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days. Using these medicines together may cause serious unwanted effects.
Read also: Inspiring Health Transformation
Pregnancy
Using this medicine while pregnant can harm the unborn baby. An effective form of birth control should be used to prevent pregnancy. If pregnancy is suspected while using the medicine, the doctor should be notified immediately.
Habit-Forming Potential
This medicine may be habit-forming. If the medication does not seem to be working properly after a few weeks, the dose should not be increased. Instead, the doctor should be consulted.
Pulmonary Hypertension and Heart Problems
Phendimetrazine may cause pulmonary hypertension (increased blood pressure in the lungs). Serious heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., valvular heart disease) may also occur, especially with higher doses, longer use, or when taking other appetite-reducing medicines.
Effects on Alertness
This medicine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or decreased alertness. Driving or operating dangerous machinery should be avoided until it is known how this medicine affects you.
Discontinuation
If taking this medicine for a long time, do not stop taking it without first consulting your doctor. The doctor may want to gradually reduce the amount taken before stopping completely.
Overdose
Symptoms of an overdose include confusion, panic state, restlessness, or hallucinations.
Drug Interactions
Phendimetrazine can interact with several other medications, which can affect how it works or increase the risk of side effects.
Medications to Avoid
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
- MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
- Medications for colds or breathing difficulties like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine
- Procarbazine
- Sibutramine
- Stimulant medications for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake
Potential Interactions
This medication may also interact with the following:
- Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
- Linezolid
- Medications for diabetes
- Medications for high blood pressure
It is important to provide a complete list of all medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements being used to the healthcare provider. Also, inform them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs, as some items may interact with the medicine.
Precautions
Several precautions should be taken while using phendimetrazine to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Regular Check-ups
It is very important to have regular check-ups with the doctor to make sure the medicine is working properly and to check for any unwanted effects. Blood tests may be needed.
Alcohol
Avoid drinking alcohol while using this medicine.
Other Medicines
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, dietary supplements, herbal remedies, or medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, and sinus problems.
Additional Considerations
Notify your care team immediately if you become short of breath while doing your normal activities. Do not take this medication within 6 hours of bedtime to avoid trouble sleeping. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine and try to stick to a regular bedtime every night. This medication was 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. Eventually, weight loss may level out. At that point, the medication will only help maintain the new weight. Do not increase or in any way change the dose without consulting your care team. Dizziness or drowsiness may occur. 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, to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
Abuse Potential
Phendimetrazine is a prodrug for the monoamine releaser phenmetrazine, a drug with known abuse potential. Preclinical studies suggest that phendimetrazine has limited abuse potential and may have promise as an agonist-like replacement therapy for cocaine dependence.
Research Findings
A study involving cocaine-dependent individuals found that d-amphetamine significantly increased cardiovascular measures, while phendimetrazine did not systematically alter cardiovascular measures. These preliminary findings suggest that oral phendimetrazine and d-amphetamine may have limited abuse potential in cocaine-dependent individuals.
Clinical Utility
The findings collectively emphasize that the clinical utility of medications to treat cocaine-use disorders should be weighed carefully against their potential for abuse and diversion, with careful attention paid to evaluating abuse potential in a clinically relevant population of interest.
User Reviews and Experiences
User reviews can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and tolerability of phendimetrazine. However, it's important to remember that individual experiences can vary.
Positive Reviews
Some users have reported significant weight loss success with phendimetrazine. For example, one user lost almost 50 pounds in 5 months, going from a size 18 to a size 4. They attributed their success to the medication, which helped them stick to their diet. Another user shared that they had no desire to eat between meals, which was previously a significant problem for them.
Important Note
It is important to note that the opinions expressed in user-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions.
Storage and Disposal
Phendimetrazine should be stored between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). This medication may cause harm and death if taken by other adults, children, or pets. It is important to get rid of the medication as soon as it is no longer needed or if it is expired.
Disposal Methods
There are two ways to dispose of the medication:
- Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with the 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 in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If unsure, ask the care team. If it is safe to put it 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 and put it in the trash.
tags: #phendimetrazine #reviews