Phendimetrazine is a prescription medication used to help you lose weight. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for short term use of up to 12 weeks in adults, notes Weight Control Information Network. This appetite suppressant is taken one to three times daily, depending on the exact formula prescribed. It must be taken with a full glass of water before a meal.
Indications
In order to take phendimetrazine, you must have a body mass index of at least 30. However, if you have obesity-related health problems, you may be prescribed phendimetrazine if your body mass index is at least 27. Your height and weight are used to determine your body mass index, which is a measure of your body fat, notes the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. If you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, arteriosclerosis, heart disease or a history of alcohol or drug abuse, phendimetazine isn't suitable for you. Also, if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, you must wait until at least 14 days after your last dose to take this medication.
Diet and Exercise Plan
For phendimetrazine to be effective, you must eat a diet comprised of low-calorie and low-fat foods. The diet should be balanced, meaning it includes foods from the fruit, meat and bean, milk, vegetable, grain and oil groups each day. You also have to exercise while taking this drug. At least 30 minutes of moderate-level exercise is recommended daily; however, your doctor may instruct you to exercise more than that daily. When you exercise at moderate intensity, you should be able to carry on a conversation, but you should sweat and have an increased heart rate, according to the American College of Sports Medicine. It is important that you follow the diet and exercise program your doctor gives you so that this medication will help you lose as much weight as possible for the short period of time you can take it.
Side Effects
Phendimetazine can cause headaches, insomnia, dry mouth, decrease in sex drive, constipation, diarrhea, altered taste, anxiety or tremors. Be sure to let your doctor know about the symptoms during one of your follow-up appointments. Phendimetrazine is also associated with serious side effects such as hallucinations, confusion, extremely high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat. If you experience these or if you think you're having an allergic reaction or overdose, a trip to the emergency room is warranted. Signs of an allergic reaction include swelling of the face or mouth, difficulty breathing or hives. It is also possible to overdose on phendimetrazine, which may cause you to panic, have seizures, become restless, breathe rapidly or become aggressive.
Warning
Because phendimetrazine affects the central nervous system, you may become addicted to it. Unless you have life threatening side effects you shouldn't stop taking this medication unless your doctor tells you to because you may experience withdrawal symptoms. To minimize the risk of these happening, take phendimetrazine exactly as directed.
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