Didrex (benzphetamine hydrochloride) belongs to a group of drugs known as anorexiants, which have been developed to reduce excess body weight. Didrex is a sympathomimetic amine which stimulates the central nervous system, suppresses appetite and increases energy levels. Associated side effects, along with the possibility of addiction, make Didrex a risky choice for individuals with health issues.

How does Didrex work?

Didrex is prescribed along with a restricted diet for the treatment of obesity. Diet pills like Didrex usually work by suppressing the appetite. This drug is closely related to phentermine-based prescription weight loss drugs such as Adipex and Lonamin, phendimetrazine-based weight loss medications such as Bontril, and diethylpropion-based drugs such as Tenuate. Didrex has a central nervous system stimulating action which may also elevate blood pressure. Continuous use of the drug may result in tolerance, decreasing its efficacy. The effect of a single dose of Didrex lasts for 12-14 hours.

Didrex ingredients

Didrex contains the following ingredients:

• Benzphetamine Hydrochloride
• Calcium Stearate
• Corn Starch
• Erythrosine Sodium
• FD & C Yellow # 6
• Lactose
• Povidone
• Sorbitol

Does Didrex work?

Didrex is a powerful anorectic that is prescribed for short-term weight loss in individuals who are excessively overweight. The side effects along with the possibility of addiction make Didrex a risky choice for people with other health issues, especially if there is a history of alcohol or drug abuse. Didrex does decrease the appetite, but offers no other health benefits. Dieters supposedly have benefited from using Didrex, but this drug should only be used under medical supervision.

Advantages

• Didrex is an anti-obesity FDA approved drug
• Didrex is shown to decrease the amount of calories eaten

Disadvantages

• Didrex is a highly addictive drug
• Available on a prescription-only basis
• Didrex is only documented to lessen appetite and does not include a fat burner

Didrex side effects

Not everyone experiences side effects when taking Didrex. However, if side effects are experienced advise a doctor immediately. Common side effects include dizziness, blurred vision, mood swings, aggression, restlessness, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, suppressed libido, tremor, rapid breathing, confusion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and dry mouth. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is after more than a few hours, skip that dose altogether. Do not double-dose. In the event of overdose, call a Poisons Information Center or an emergency unit immediately.

Didrex overdose

Didrex overdose may cause restlessness, tremor, increase in the breathing rate, confusion and panic attacks. It may also result in lowered blood pressure or increased blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. An overdose of Didrex may require hospitalization, observation, sedation and intravenous therapy to control the hypertension that may be present.

Fatal poisoning is usually preceded by involuntary muscle contractions and long periods of unconsciousness.

Didrex dosage

The drug is taken at doses of 25 to 50 mg one or three times a day. Didrex is chemically related to amphetamines and can be easily abused. Tablets should be swallowed whole, and not chewed or crushed. In most cases, Didrex should be taken for between 3 and 6 weeks only.

Didrex contraindications

Do not exceed the recommended dose, as Didrex can be highly addictive. Advise a doctor before the first prescription if you have any prior history of addiction to any type of substance.

Always advise dentists, doctors, surgeons, paramedics or emergency services that you are using Didrex before they commence any treatment. Follow medical directions at all times and keep all medical appointments while using Didrex. This drug is not suitable for children. Never share this potentially dangerous and addictive drug with anyone else.

Didrex should not be used by patients suffering from advanced vessel wall thickening, high blood pressure, diseases of the thyroid gland and by individuals with a known allergy to this class of drug. Simultaneous use of two drugs that act on the central nervous system should be avoided. These drugs should not be used with, or within 14 days of use of, certain anti-depressants (MAO inhibitors). A side effect of both Didrex diet pills and MAO anti-depressants is hypertension. Thus, a combination of the two may result in a very high increase in blood pressure.

Inform a doctor if any unusual or allergic reactions have been experienced after taking Didrex or amphetamines, dextroamphetamine, ephedrine, epinephrine, isoproterenol, metaproterenol, methamphetamine, norepinephrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, terbutaline or other appetite suppressants. Also inform a health care professional if allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes.

Do not use Didrex if pregnant, at risk of becoming pregnant or breast feeding (Didrex / Benzphetamine is known to cause birth defects).

Do not use Didrex when drinking alcohol.

Diabetics may need to increase their insulin intake while on Didrex. Discuss beforehand with a doctor.

Do not use Didrex if you have a history of heart disorders, high blood pressure or hyperthyroidism.

Do not use Didrex if you are taking guanadrel, guanethidine, furazolidone or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Advise your doctor of all other medications or drug, whether prescribed, over-the-counter or illicit, before taking this Didrex.

Until you establish how you react to Didrex, do not drive, operate machinery or undertake any other potentially risky activity.