Weight Loss Drugs Prescription and OTC »
Taking a weight loss drug may not result in weight loss by itself. But using diet pills can help an overweight person stay on a diet because nearly all of these medications work on suppressing appetite. "Feeling full" is believed to be related to a number of biochemical processes in the body. Signals to indicate fullness come from fat cells and the gastrointestinal tract; these converge with signals in the central nervous system. Appetite suppressants target a couple of key neurotransmitters in this process: serotonin and norepinephrine. Increased levels of serotonin result in a feeling of fullness. Increasing norepinephrine levels stimulate the central nervous system, decreasing appetite. Only one drug among the weight loss medications works in a different way. Orlistat (Xenical, Alli) works in the gastrointestinal tract to prevent absorption of about a third of ingested fat.
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DIDREX
(benzphetamine hydrochloride) Tablets
DIDREX Tablets contain the anorectic agent benzphetamine hydrochloride. Benzphetamine hydrochloride is a white crystalline powder readily soluble in water and 95% ethanol. The chemical name for benzphetamine hydrochloride is d-N,α-Dimethyl-N(phenylmethyl)-benzeneethanamine hydrochloride and its molecular weight is 275.82.
The structural formula (dextro form) is represented below:
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Each DIDREX (benzphetamine) Tablet, for oral administration, contains 50 mg of benzphetamine hydrochloride. Inactive Ingredients: Calcium Stearate, Corn Starch, Erythrosine Sodium. FD & C Yellow No. 6, Lactose, Povidone, Sorbitol.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking benzphetamine and seek emergency medical attention:
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take benzphetamine and talk to your doctor...
Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Didrex »
Before taking benzphetamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to any other sympathomimetic amines (e.g., decongestants such as pseudoephedrine, stimulants such as amphetamine, appetite suppressants such as phentermine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using benzphetamine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: uncontrolled high blood pressure, glaucoma, history of alcohol/drug abuse, vascular heart disease (e.g., chest pain, heart attack), mental/mood problems (e.g., severe anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis,...
Last reviewed on RxList: 2/26/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Didrex sorted by most helpful.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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