phendimetrazine  (fen dye MET ra zeen)

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Bontril PDM, Bontril Slow Release, Anorex-SR, Statobex, Adipost, Obezine, Appecon, Phendiet, Plegine, Melfiat, Phendiet-105, Prelu-2, Phendimetrazine Tartrate SR, Phendimetrazine Tartrate

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 side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• chest pain, palpitations
• depression or severe changes in mood
• increased blood pressure
• irritability
• nervousness or restlessness
• painful urination
• severe dizziness
• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• blurred vision or other eye problems
• changes in sexual ability or desire
• constipation or diarrhea
• difficulty sleeping
• dry mouth
• flushing
• headache
• nausea
• sweating

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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.

Who should NOT use this medication?

• Symptomatic cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, moderate to severe hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, glaucoma, or advanced arteriosclerosis.
• Highly nervous or agitated state or history of drug abuse.
• Concurrent therapy with other CNS stimulants or anorexigenic drugs.
• Within 14 days of MAO inhibitor therapy.
• Known hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to sympathomimetic amines.

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.

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

Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?

As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?

This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

Where can I get more information?

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