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What is Bontril
 Bontril
is a sympathomimetic amine, which is similar to an amphetamine.
It is also known as an "anorectic" or "anorexigenic"
drug. Bontril stimulates the central nervous system (nerves
and brain), which increases your heart rate and blood pressure
and decreases your appetite.
Bontril
is used as a short-term supplement to diet and exercise in
the treatment of obesity.
Bontril
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Bontril
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Bontril may cause
dizziness, blurred vision, or restlessness, and it may hide
the symptoms of extreme tiredness. If you experience these
effects, avoid hazardous activities.
Bontril is habit
forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent
on this medication, and withdrawal effects may occur if
you stop taking it suddenly after several weeks of continuous
use. Talk to your doctor about stopping this medication
gradually.
Do not crush, chew, or open any "once-daily"
phendimetrazine tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole.
Who should not take Bontril You cannot take Bontril if you
- have heart
disease or high blood pressure;
- have arteriosclerosis
(hardening of the arteries);
- have glaucoma;
-
have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as
isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine
(Nardil) in the last 14 days; or
- have a history
of drug or alcohol abuse.
Before taking this medication,
tell your doctor if you have:
- problems with your
thyroid,
- an anxiety disorder,
- epilepsy
or another seizure disorder, or
- diabetes.
You may not be able to take Bontril, or you may require
a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you
have any of the conditions listed above.
It is not
known whether Bontril will harm an unborn baby. Do not take
Bontril without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant.
It is also not known whether Bontril passes
into breast milk. Do not take Bontril without first talking
to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should take Bontril Take Bontril exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass of water.
Bontril is usually
taken once a day (sustained release formula) or two to three
times daily (immediate-release formula) before meals on
an empty stomach.
Do not take Bontril in the evening
because it may cause insomnia.
Do not crush, chew,
or open any "once-daily" phendimetrazine tablets
or capsules. Swallow them whole.
Never take more
of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much
Bontril could be very dangerous to your health.
Store
Bontril at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next dose or if it is already
evening, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly
scheduled dose. A dose taken too late in the day will cause
insomnia. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of a Bontril overdose include restlessness, tremor, rapid
breathing, confusion, hallucinations, panic, aggressiveness,
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, an irregular heartbeat, and
seizures.
Avoid while taking Bontril Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Bontril may cause
dizziness, blurred vision, or restlessness, and it may hide
the symptoms of extreme tiredness. If you experience these
effects, avoid hazardous activities.
Do not take
Bontril late in the day. A dose taken too late in the day
can cause insomnia.
Possible side effects of Bontril If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Bontril and seek emergency medical
attention:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing;
closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or
face; or hives);
- an irregular heartbeat or very
high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision); or
- hallucinations, abnormal behavior, or confusion.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely
to occur. Continue to take Bontril and talk to your doctor
if you experience
- restlessness or tremor,
-
nervousness or anxiety,
- headache or dizziness,
- insomnia,
- dry mouth or an unpleasant taste
in your mouth,
- diarrhea or constipation, or
-
impotence or changes in your sex drive.
Bontril is
habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically
dependent on this medication, and withdrawal effects may
occur if you stop taking it suddenly after several weeks
of continuous use. Talk to your doctor about stopping this
medication gradually.
Side effects other than those
listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any
side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Bontril You cannot take Bontril if you have taken a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan),
tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil) in the
last 14 days.
Changes in insulin and other diabetes
drug therapies may be necessary during treatment with Bontril.
Bontril may reduce the effects of guanethidine (Ismelin).
This could lead to an increase in blood pressure. Tell your
doctor if you are taking guanethidine.
Before taking
this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking a tricyclic
antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine
(Asendin), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor),
imipramine (Tofranil), clomipramine (Anafranil), protriptyline
(Vivactil), or desipramine (Norpramin). These drugs may
decrease the effects of Bontril.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Bontril.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines. |
