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Benzphetamine (By mouth)

Benzphetamine (benz-FET-a-meen)

Helps with weight loss in obese patients.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to benzphetamine or similar medicines, if you are pregnant, or if you have heart or blood vessel disease, heart rhythm problems, moderate or severe high blood pressure, glaucoma, an overactive thyroid, agitation or severe anxiety, or a history of drug abuse.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
  • This medicine is not for long-term use.
  • It is best to take this medicine in the mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Do not use this medicine if you are taking or if you took other medicine that reduces appetite (including dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine) within the past year.
  • Do not use benzphetamine if you took an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 14 days or if you are also taking any other stimulants.
  • Some medicines can affect how benzphetamine works. Tell your doctor if you are taking insulin, blood pressure medicine, or medicine to treat depression (including tricyclic antidepressants).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine.
  • Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine.
  • Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, lung or breathing problems, mental illness, or mild high blood pressure.
  • This medicine may cause the following problems:
    • Increased risk of pulmonary hypertension (increased blood pressure in the lungs)
    • Heart or blood vessel problem, including valvular heart disease
    • Unusual changes in behavior or moods
  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Blurred vision, dizziness, headache, nervousness, pounding in the ears
  • Chest pain, fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, fainting
  • Extreme energy or restlessness, confusion, agitation, unusual moods or behavior, trouble sleeping

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Bad taste in your mouth, dry mouth
  • Diarrhea, nausea
  • Increased sweating

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 12/4/2023

 
 
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