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PHENDIMETRAZINE (fen dye MET ra zeen) promotes weight loss when other therapies have not worked or cannot be tolerated. It is often used for a short period of time. It works by decreasing appetite.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medication 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. Swallow whole. Do not open or chew the capsules. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Do not suddenly stop taking your medication because you may develop a severe reaction. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. If your care team wants you to stop the medication, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children 17 years of age and older 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.
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Do not take this medication with any of the following:
-MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
-Medications for colds or breathing difficulties like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine
-Procarbazine
-Sibutramine
-Stimulant medications for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
-Linezolid
-Medications for diabetes
-Medications 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.
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Notify your care team immediately if you become short of breath while doing your normal activities.
Do not take this medication within 6 hours of bedtime. It can keep you from getting to sleep. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine and try to stick to a regular bedtime every night.
This medication was intended to be used in addition to a healthy diet and exercise. The best results are achieved this way. This medication is only indicated for short-term use. Eventually your weight loss may level out. At that point, the medication will only help you maintain your new weight. Do not increase or in any way change your dose without consulting your care team.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication 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.
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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.
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Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-Heart valve disease—shortness of breath, chest pain, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, fever, sudden weight gain, fast or irregular heartbeat
-Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
-Pulmonary hypertension—shortness of breath, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, feeling faint or lightheaded, fatigue, swelling of the ankles or feet
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Dizziness
-Dry mouth
-Headache
-Tremors or shaking
-Trouble sleeping
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.
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Keep out of the reach of children and pets. This medication can be abused. Keep it in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share it with anyone. It is only for you. Selling or giving away this medication is dangerous and against the law.
Store between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F).
This medication may cause harm and death if taken by other adults, children, or pets. It is important to get rid of the medication as soon as you no longer need it, or if it is expired. You can do this in two ways:
-Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
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