phendimetrazine

What is this medicine?

PHENDIMETRAZINE (fen dye MET ra zeen) decreases your appetite. It is used with a reduced calorie diet and exercise to help you lose weight.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• agitation or nervousness
• glaucoma
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• history of substance abuse
• thyroid disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to phendimetrazine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine at least 1 hour before eating. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• medicines for colds or breathing difficulties like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine
• procarbazine
• sibutramine
• stimulants like dexmethylphenidate, methylphenidate or modafinil

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for high blood pressure

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Notify your physician immediately if you become short of breath while doing your normal activities.

This medicine was intended to be used in addition to a healthy diet and exercise. The best results are achieved this way. This medicine is only indicated for short-term use. Eventually your weight loss may level out. At that point, the drug will only help you maintain your new weight. Do not increase or in any way change your dose without consulting your doctor.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.