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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking benzphetamine (Didrex)?

Do not use benzphetamine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. Serious, life threatening side effects can occur if you use benzphetamine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

Taking benzphetamine together with other diet medications (including medicines available over the counter) can cause a rare fatal lung disorder called pulmonary hypertension. Do not take benzphetamine with any other diet medications without your doctor's advice.

You should not take benzphetamine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• coronary artery disease (hardening of the arteries);
• heart disease, heart rhythm disorder;
• severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
• overactive thyroid;
• glaucoma;
• if you are pregnant;
• if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse; o
• if you have used any other diet pills within the past year.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a benzphetamine dose adjustment or special tests:

• high blood pressure;
• diabetes; or
• a thyroid disorder.

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use benzphetamine if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use effective birth control while you are using this medication.

Benzphetamine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking benzphetamine.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 12 years old.

Benzphetamine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Never share benzphetamine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

How should I take benzphetamine (Didrex)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Benzphetamine is usually taken once each day, mid-morning or mid-afternoon.

Talk with your doctor if you have increased hunger or if you otherwise think the medication is not working properly. Taking more of this medication will not make it more effective and can cause serious, life-threatening side effects.

Benzphetamine should be taken only for a short time, such as a few weeks. Tell your doctor if you have not lost any weight after 4 weeks of treatment.

Benzphetamine is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Benzphetamine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.

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