Phendimetrazine is a prescription weight loss drug that is intended for short-term use--up to a few weeks, notes Daily Med. Phendimetrazine is approved for use by people who have a body mass index of at least 30 who haven't lost weight through traditional methods of diet and exercise. Because of the side effects associated with phendimetrazine, such as dependency on the drug, increased blood pressure, irregular heart beat, insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, headache and dry mouth, taking this drug appropriately is vital.
Step 1
Visit your doctor to determine if phendimetrazine is appropriate for you. Your doctor will review your medical history and do an exam on you to make sure that you don't have any contraindications for this drug. Some of the contraindications for this drug include hypertension, heart disease, glaucoma, arteriosclerosis or a history of substance abuse.
Step 2
Take your prescription to a pharmacy to have it filled. Ask the pharmacist to go over the dosing instructions with you to ensure that you fully understand how to take the medication. In most cases, phendimetrazine is prescribed as a one-time-daily medication, but lower doses that are taken two to three times daily are sometimes prescribed.
Step 3
Plan to take your pills as early in the day as possible, as phendimetrazine may cause insomnia if you take it too late in the day. If you take more than one pill daily, ask your pharmacist to help you develop a schedule.
Step 4
Take your pills on an empty stomach just before eating a meal. Swallow the pill whole with a full glass of water. If you realize that you missed a dose, take it if it isn't close to your next dose, but don't double up on pills if it is time for your next dose.
Step 5
Keep taking phendimetrazine as directed by your doctor. Don't stop taking phendimetrazine abruptly unless you have been directed to do so by your doctor. Abruptly stopping phendimetrazine may cause withdrawal symptoms, so unless you are experiencing adverse reactions to the drug, your doctor will usually wean you off the drug instead of having you stop abruptly.
Step 6
Follow a healthy weight loss plan. Eat a low-calorie diet as directed by your doctor. Generally, your diet will be based on the food pyramid, so it will include grains, protein, vegetables, fruits, dairy and a limited amount of oil and fat. You will also exercise daily. Ideally, you will exercise for 60 to 90 minutes daily, which is recommended for weight loss by the American College of Sports Medicine. Swimming, water aerobics, walking and weight resistance exercises are suitable.
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