Benzphetamine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 20, 2024.

Applies to benzphetamine: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of benzphetamine

Along with its needed effects, benzphetamine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking benzphetamine:

More common side effects

• agitation
• anxiety
• confusion
• dizziness
• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• feeling lightheaded or faint
• headache
• hives, welts, itching, skin rash
• irritability
• lightheadedness
• mood or other mental changes
• nervousness
• nightmares
• numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
• redness of the skin
• restlessness
• seizures
• shakiness or trembling in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• sweating
• trouble sleeping
• trouble thinking, speaking, or walking
• unusual feeling of excitement

Rare side effects

• chest discomfort or pain
• discouragement
• feeling sad or empty
• hallucinations
• lack of appetite
• loss of interest or pleasure
• severe mental changes
• swelling of the feet or lower legs
• trouble breathing
• trouble concentrating
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking benzphetamine:

Symptoms of overdose

• blurred vision
• change in consciousness
• dark-colored urine
• diarrhea
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fever
• loss of consciousness
• muscle cramps, spasms, pain, or stiffness
• nausea
• nervousness
• physical attempt to injure oneself
• pounding in the ears
• rapid, shallow breathing
• severe anxiety or feeling of panic
• stomach cramps
• violent actions
• vomiting

Other side effects of benzphetamine

Some side effects of benzphetamine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• decrease in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• dry mouth
• inability to have or keep an erection
• increase in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• increased interest in sexual intercourse
• unpleasant taste

For healthcare professionals

Applies to benzphetamine: oral tablet.

Cardiovascular adverse events

• Frequency not reported: Palpitation, tachycardia, elevated blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, ischemic cardiac events with chronic amphetamine use^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Overstimulation, restlessness, dizziness, tremor, sweating, headache^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Insomnia, psychotic episodes, depression following drug withdrawal^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Frequency not reported: Libido changes^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Dry mouth, unpleasant taste, nausea, diarrhea, other GI disturbances^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Urticaria, other allergic skin reactions^[Ref]

Further information

Benzphetamine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer