Summary
Bontril is the brand name for the drug phendimetrazine. Bontril is used as an appetite suppressant along with diet and exercise for the short-term management of exogenous obesity. The diet pills are sold as white tablets or as capsules. The capsule form of Bontril has an extended release action. Bontril may be prescribed by a physician if a patient has failed to make progress on a conventional diet and exercise program, and the cause of obesity is related to over eating with no underlying hormonal or metabolic abnormalities. The mode of action of Bontril is similar to that of amphetamines, which stimulate the sympathetic nervous system.
Pros:
- Clinically evaluated
Cons:
- Mode of action of Bontril similar to amphetamines and potentially addictive
- Body develops tolerance to Bontril’s appetite suppressing effects over time
- Numerous side effects have been reported
Bontril ingredients
Bontril is the brand name for the drug phendimetrazine.
Bontril side effects
Bontril should not be taken for more than a 3-month period. The body develops tolerance to its appetite suppressing effects over time. There is also no clear documentation regarding its effectiveness and safety beyond 12 weeks.
Side effects of Bontril that may disappear during treatment include restlessness, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, constipation, nervousness, insomnia, difficulty urinating, mood changes, difficulty breathing, swelling and dry mouth. If side effects persist contact a doctor.
If Bontril overdose is suspected, call the emergency services or contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include restlessness, tremor, rapid breathing, confusion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. As Bontril can elevate blood pressure, these diet pills should not be taken by patients with even mild hypertension. Bontril may also interfere with the action of other anti-hypertensive drugs.
Do not crush or chew Bontril as this may cause increased side effects.
Bontril contraindications
Bontril should not be takeb by children under the age of 12 years. Bontril is on the 2009 WADA list of drugs that are banned for use by athletes and elite sports people. Bontril is considered a performance-enhancing substance.
Patients on this drug should to be cautioned against operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle. In patients with diabetes, the insulin requirements and the concomitant dietary regimen may need to be altered in association with the use of Bontril. These diet pills should not be taken by pregnant women.
In addition, Bontril diet pills are not to be used by the following individuals that have: known allergic reactions to this class of drug; hyperthyroidism; advanced arteriosclerosis, heart disease, moderate to severe hypertension, thyroid abnormalities and glaucoma; a past history of drug or alcohol dependence or abuse; and use other drugs that affect the brain, heart or blood vessels.
Inform a doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine being taken. Do not use Bontril if also taking guanadrel, guanethidine, furazolidone or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Before undertaking any medical or dental treatments, emergency care or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that Bontril is being used.
Bontril dosage
Tolerance to the appetite suppressant effects of Bontril develops within a few weeks. The recommended dosage should never be exceeded in an attempt to increase the effect. Instead, Bontril therapy should be stopped. Increasing the dosage at this point will only enhance its side effects. Abrupt cessation of Bontril following high-dosage administration can result in extreme fatigue, insomnia and mental depression. Thus, it is recommended that the dosage be progressively reduced over time.
Bontril is prescribed as 35 mg pills or capsules. The maximum recommended dose is 70 mg taken three times a day. The drug should be ingested 1 or 2 hours prior to eating a meal. To avoid potential insomnia late evening dosing should be avoided. Weight loss treatment with Bontril should be re-evaluated at the end of a 4-week period. If the patient has lost less than 4.5 lbs then Bontril may not be the ideal weight loss treatment.
Storing Bontril
Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from heat, light and children. *
Avoid taking stimulants such as decongestants (found in many over-the-counter cough and cold medicines) or caffeine that may increase heart rate.