The drug phendimetrazine that is marketed under the brand name Bontril is used as an appetite suppressant for the management of obesity. The mode of action of Bontril is similar to that of amphetamines, which stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. Numerous side effects are associated with the use of Bontril. This drug 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.
Bontril ingredients
Bontril is the brand name for the drug phendimetrazine.
Bontril side-effects
Do not crush or chew Bontril as this may cause increased side effects.
Many of the side effects associated with Bontril occur as a result of its stimulatory action on the sympathetic nervous system. Side effects of Bontril that may disappear during treatment include severe headache, restlessness, nausea, dizziness, flushing, blurring of vision, diarrhea, constipation, nervousness, insomnia, difficulty urinating, mood changes, difficulty breathing, swelling, changes in sex drive, hallucinations, seizures and dry mouth. Taking Bontril may also cause elevated blood pressure and an increased heart rate. If side effects persist contact a doctor.
Some of Bontrils’ side effects are associated with the hypersensitivity that some patients have to this drug. Allergic reactions can manifest as itching, rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue or eyelids. Such symptoms warrant an immediate cessation of Bontril therapy. Continued use of Bontril in individuals experiencing such side effects can lead to anaphylactic shock and respiratory arrest.
Bontril overdose
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.
Bontril poisoning may result in convulsions, coma and death. The management of a Bontrol overdose is largely symptomatic. It includes hospitalization with intravenous sedation. If hypertension is pronounced, a powerful anti-hypertensive drug may be administered under cardiovascular monitoring.
Bontril contraindications
Bontril should not be taken 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 Bontril 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.
Bontil abuse
Abuse of amphetamines and related drugs such as Bontril may be associated with psychological dependence and social dysfunction. Signs indicative of potential abuse include skin changes, irritability, hyperactivity, aggressiveness and personality changes. Prolonged use of Bontril diet pills at doses much higher than therapeutic recommendations have led to psychosis not unlike that observed in Schizophrenia.
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.
Avoid taking stimulants such as decongestants (found in many over-the-counter cough and cold medicines) or caffeine that may increase heart rate.
Common misspellings: Bontrol, Bintrol, Bantrol, Bontrils, Bentrol, Bonitril.