Didrex Side Effects

Generic name: benzphetamine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 5, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Didrex.

Applies to benzphetamine: oral tablet Side Effects associated with benzphetamine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Didrex.

Applies to benzphetamine: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure the medicine is working properly. Blood and blood pressure tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.

If you will be taking this medicine for a long time, do not stop taking it without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are taking before stopping completely.

This medicine may cause pulmonary hypertension (increased blood pressure in the lungs). Serious heart or blood vessel problems (eg, valvular heart disease) may also occur if you take more of it, if you take it for a longer time, or if you are taking other medicine that reduces appetite (eg, dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine). Check with your doctor right away if you have chest pain, decreased ability to exercise, fainting, swelling of the feet or lower legs, or trouble breathing.

Do not use this medicine if you are taking or if you took other medicine that reduces appetite within the past year.

You should not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 14 days or if you are also taking any other stimulants.

Unusual changes in behavior or moods may occur during treatment with this medicine together with a special diet plan that will help you lose weight. Tell your doctor right away if you or your family notice an increase in aggression, hostility, agitation, or irritability. Tell your doctor if you have hallucinations or any unusual thoughts, especially if they are new or getting worse quickly.

This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of Didrex

Along with its needed effects, benzphetamine (the active ingredient contained in Didrex) 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:

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 Didrex

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:

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]

See also:

Further information

Didrex 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.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer