Phendimetrazine is a sympathomimetic appetite suppressant used in the treatment of obesity. It is marketed in the United States with such brand names as Adipex, Bontril, Ionamin, Meridia and Fastin. The Mayo Clinic reports phendimetrazine and other such appetite suppressants tend to perform their function of making you less hungry only for a few weeks. For that reason, it is prescribed typically to coincide with nutritional dieting and exercise. It is important to know the side effects of using this drug.
High Blood Pressure
Phendimetrazine works to stimulate your central nervous system (CNS). It increases the rate at which your body metabolizes food, so more calories are burned even if you are not exercising or active. This stimulation of your CNS also can affect your heart and make it pump faster and harder, which causes an increase in the pressure at which your blood moves throughout your body. This is a potentially serious common side effect of phendimetrazine, so report any symptoms of high blood pressure, such as a rapid heart rate, palpitations or facial flushing to your physician as soon as possible.
Mental Side Effects
Using phendimetrazine even in the short term can cause some common side effects in your mental processes. In general, these are side effects that will subside after the first few doses of the drug, as your body acclimates to it. When you are taking the medicine, you are being stimulated similar to the effect of caffeine or amphetamines. This may cause you to become nervous without apparent cause, or you may get agitated with yourself or the actions of other people. You may become overstimulated and restless, feeling as though you need to keep moving or doing things, even when there is no need. This also may spill over into insomnia or trouble staying asleep once you have fallen asleep. You also may feel unusually irritable with the drug and some people feel a sense of euphoria.
Visual Side Effects
Another common non-serious side effect of taking phendimetrazine is a change in your vision, but it should be temporary. The main vision problem, according to Drugs.com, is blurry vision. If you still have trouble focusing your eyes a few days after starting the medication, explain the problem to your physician.
Stomach and Bowel Side Effects
Phendimetrazine, along with its desired effect of reducing your appetite, may cause side effects in your gastrointestinal system. You may experience diarrhea or constipation, Drugs.com reports. There also is the potential for nausea and vomiting. Pain or cramps also may occur in your abdominal area. These are common temporary side effects in most people.
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