:: What is Didrex?
Didrex (benzphetamine hydrochloride) is a FDA-approved weight loss oral medication used for the treatment of obesity. It is made by Pharmacia & Upjohn Company, based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA.
Didrex belongs to the class of appetite suppressants called sympathomimetics. Didrex works by decreasing your appetite. It is used for the short-term (few weeks) management of obesity.
* For best results, Didrex, like all other weight loss medications, should be used together with a diet, exercise, and behavior program.
For guidelines on losing weight, and tools that help you keep track of your weight-loss, calorie consumption, and exercising progress by calculating your daily calorie and fat requirements as well as how many calories you can burn doing various exercises, see our extensive Weight Loss FAQ  .
You can buy Didrex by going to our Didrex price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Didrex prices, no prior prescription required.
If this is your first time ordering Didrex online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: Who should take Didrex?
Didrex is recommended for the short-term (few weeks) treatment of obesity in patients who:
- have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2.
- have a BMI of 27 kg/m2 together with other risk factors such as high blood
pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Go to our Weight Loss FAQ where you can use our BMI calculator to find out your Body Mass Index.
Didrex is recommended for use with a diet, exercise, and behavior program in patients who have not responded to a weight reducing diet alone. Didrex is intended for patients with major weight problems, not for those with only a few pounds to lose.
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:: What is Obesity and how is it treated?
This question requires its own frequently asked questions page. Please see our extensive Weight Loss FAQ , where you will find:
1. Detailed answers to your obesity questions such as What causes obesity? or
What are the current treatment options for obesity? .
2. Many guidelines to assist you in your weight-loss efforts, such as How to start an exercise program ,
Exercising suggestions ,
sample exercise plans .
3. Easy to use calculators to help you plan your weight-loss, such as our:
- Daily Calorie Calculator that calculates the daily calorie, fat and saturated
fat requirements that you need to maintain your current weight, as well as the
daily calorie, fat and saturated fat requirements you need to lose weight.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator to determine if you are overweight based
on your body fat.
- Ideal Body Weight calculator to help you set your ideal weight-loss goals
based on your height and sex.
- Calorie Burning Calculator that calculates how many calories you burn from
doing a specific type of exercise, based on your weight and on the number of
minutes you performed the exercise.
4. Very useful printable forms to keep track of your weight loss progress.
5. Many other tips on reaching and maintaing a healthy lifestyle, including links to great Sample reduced calorie menus .
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:: How does Didrex work?
The mechanism of action of the sympathomimetic appetite suppressants such as Didrex (benzphetamine) in the treatment of obesity is not fully known. They are thought to stimulate the release of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and/or dopamine from the hypothalamus thereby producing a decrease in appetite.
They may also work in other ways such as decreased gastric acid secretion (decreasing digestion) or increased energy expenditure.
Most of these medications lose their effectiveness over time, so you must also follow a good diet and exercise program and learn behavior modification techniques while taking them.
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:: How well does Didrex work?
Didrex (benzphetamine) is an effective therapy for the obese patient who needs to lose weight. Studies show that patients treated with Didrex and dietary management lose more weight than those treated with sugar pill and diet.
The amount of weight loss will increase with greater caloric restriction and increased exercise. This weight loss can significantly decrease the impact of diseases associated with being overweight.
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:: How safe is Didrex?
Didrex has been used to treat obesity for many years; its safety profile has been maintained by real-world experience as well as clinical trials.
Didrex has been approved by the FDA to successfully and safely treat obesity. However, make sure to read about Who should not take Didrex? .
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:: Who should not take Didrex?
Didrex (benzphetamine) should not be taken if you suffer from or have suffered from any of the following conditions: heart disease, moderate to severe high blood pressure, glaucoma, arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), over active thyroid, alcoholism, drug abuse or dependence, known hypersensitivity to Didrex (benzphetamine) or other sympathomimetic amines.
Do not take Didrex if you are currently taking or have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) within 14 days to treat depression.
Do not take Didrex (benzphetamine) if you are pregnant. Didrex is in the FDA pregnancy category X and can cause birth defects.
Didrex (benzphetamine) passes into breast milk. Do not take Didrex without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Only your healthcare provider can tell you for sure if you should or not take Didrex. Inform your healthcare provider, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you are taking, prescription or over-the-counter, and about any medical conditions you have or have had, including allergies.
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:: What should I tell the doctor before taking Didrex?
Before taking Didrex or any prescription medicine, you should inform your healthcare provider, during either a physical or online consultation, of your complete medical history, including medical problems, allergies and any other medications (especially monoamine oxidase inhibitors/MAOI) that you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription), even if you stopped taking them within the past 2 weeks.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart disease, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland), diabetes, glaucoma, kidney disease, epilepsy or another seizure disorder, mental illness or a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, make sure to tell your doctor.
You may not be able to take Didrex (benzphetamine), or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
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:: What does Didrex look like?
Didrex, made by Pharmacia & Upjohn Company, comes as peach-colored round-shaped oral tablets with the imprint DIDREX 50 on one side and scored on the other side.
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:: How do I take Didrex?
Didrex (benzphetamine hydrochloride) is available in 50 mg tablets.
Didrex should be taken on an empty stomach. Take each dose with a full glass of water. As Didrex may cause sleeplessness avoid taking a dose late in the day. If taking more than one dose a day, take the last dose approximately 4 to 6 hours prior to going to bed.
The tablet may be broken in half.
The following are common doses of Didrex. The recommended dose of Didrex may be different for different patients. If your recommended dose is different from the ones listed below, do NOT change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Adults under Age 60
Oral dosage form (Tablets) 25-50mg one to three times a day, before meals, on an empty stomach. A single daily dose is preferably taken in the mid-morning or mid-afternoon, according to your eating habits.
Adults Age 60 and Over
Consult your physician. A reduced Didrex dose may be necessary.
Infants and Children
Didrex is NOT recommended for children under age 16.
Take Didrex exactly as directed. Do not take more than prescribed. Do not take it more often or for a longer period than you doctor ordered. If too much Didrex is taken, it may cause unwanted effects or become habit-forming .
Most people take Didrex for 3 to 6 weeks, depending on how you respond to the medication. Inform your doctor if you think that Didrex is not working after you have taken it for a few weeks. Do NOT increase the dose.
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:: What sensible weight-loss guidelines should I follow with Didrex?
Appetite suppressants such as Didrex are not a substitute for a proper diet. Didrex will help you reach your weight loss goal, but you must use it in conjunction with a diet, exercise, and behavior program. See our extensive Weight Loss FAQ for many guidelines including:
- How many calories should I consume in order to lose weight?
- How much weight should I lose?
- What kind of activities can I do?
- How many calories can I burn doing various activities?
- Sample exercise plans
- Sample reduced calorie menus
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:: Can I take Didrex if I drink alcohol?
Alcohol can increase the unwanted side effects of dizziness and lightheadedness, therefore, it is advisable to limit or abstain from drinking alcohol while taking Didrex (or other appetite suppressants).
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:: What should I do if I forget a dose of Didrex?
If you miss a dose of Didrex, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT double the dose to make up for a missed dose.
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:: For how long can I continue to use Didrex?
Didrex is approved for the short-term treatment of obesity. It helps you start losing weight and gives you a chance to develop better eating, exercising, and behavioral habits to continue losing weight and prevent its return on a long-term basis. Didrex will lose its effectiveness as an appetite suppressant after a few weeks of treatment which is when your new healthy eating and exercise habits will make you ready to carry on, on your own.
Most people take the Didrex for 3 to 6 weeks, depending on how you respond to the medication. If you think that Didrex is not working after you have taken it for a few weeks, inform your doctor.
Once tolerance to the appetite suppressant effects of Didrex develop, do not increase your prescribed dose to try to increase the effect. It is time for the drug to be stopped. Continuing to take Didrex may cause unwanted effects or become habit-forming.
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:: How should I store Didrex?
Keep Didrex and all medications out of children's reach.
Store Didrex at room temperature in a tight container. Store away from moisture, heat and direct light. Do not keep medicine past the expiration date, dispose of properly.
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:: Is Didrex an Amphetamine?
Benzphetamine, the active ingredient in Didrex is metabolized by your body into amphetamine.
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:: Will a urine drug test be positive if I'm taking Didrex?
* Didrex (benzphetamine) may cause a positive result in urine screening tests for Amphetamines because it is metabolized into amphetamine.
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:: What are the possible side effects of Didrex?
Didrex, like all medications, may cause side effects. Although side effects from Didrex are not common, they can occur.
The more common side effects are dry mouth, unpleasant taste, nausea, sleeplessness, headache, dizziness, stomach upset, constipation, irritability, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness or tremor. Some of these side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, discontinue using Didrex and call your doctor immediately:
- Chest pain
- Decreased ability to exercise
- Fainting
- Swelling of the feet or lower legs
- Trouble breathing
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that seem unusual or that are especially bothersome.
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:: What other precautions should I take when using Didrex?
In addition to the above possible side effects of Didrex, please be aware of the following as they apply to you.
Adults Age 60 and Over:
There is no specific information evaluating the use of Didrex in the older adults. The side effects may be more likely and more severe in older patients, especially when taken in combination with drugs that act on the central nervous system.
Breast Feeding:
Use of Didrex (or other appetite suppressants) while breast-feeding is NOT recommended. It may pass into breast milk, causing unwanted effects in nursing babies. Please consult your doctor for advice.
Diabetes:
Didrex may affect blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar levels closely and report any concerns to you physician.
Dependency:
Please use Didrex with caution as it is chemically similar to amphetamines and may lead to psychological or physical dependency. See: What are signs of a physical or mental dependence on Didrex? .
Driving and Hazardous Work:
Didrex (or other appetite suppressants) may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, or a decreased alertness. Do NOT drive or engage in hazardous work until you know how the medicine affects you.
Infants and Children:
Didrex (or other appetite suppressants) are NOT recommended for use by children under age 16.
Kidney Disease:
The side effects may be more likely due to higher blood levels of Didrex.
Pregnancy:
Do NOT use Didrex if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant as Didrex can cause harm to the fetus. Prior to taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or attempting to become pregnant.
Surgery, Dental Procedures, or Emergency Treatment:
Medicines that are used during surgery, dental procedures, or emergency treatments with Didrex can cause serious side effects. Prior to any surgery or treatment, inform the doctor or dentist that you are using Didrex.
Do NOT share your Didrex prescription with others, this can be a very dangerous practice.
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:: What are the possible drug interactions of Didrex?
Inform your doctor, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you use, prescription and non-prescription. Certain medicines should never be used together. Some medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may change the dose, monitor the effects or take other precautions.
When you are taking Didrex (or other appetite suppressants), it is especially important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
- Amphetamines.
- Cocaine.
- Medications for cough and colds, decongestants, or medications for hay fever or other allergies (including nose drops or sprays).
- Ritalin (Methylphenidate).
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants like: Celexa (citalopram),
Luvox (fluvoxamine), Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine).
- Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors: Furoxone (furazolidone), Nardil (phenelzine), Eldepryl (selegiline), Marplan (isocarboxazid), Matulane (procarbazine), Parnate
(tranylcypromine).
- Tricyclic antidepressants: Elavil (amitriptyline), Anafranil (clomipramine), Asendin
(amoxapine), Sinequan (doxepin), Aventyl/Pamelor (nortriptyline), Surmontil
(trimipramine), Norpramin (desipramine), Tofranil (imipramine), Vivactil
(protriptyline).
- High blood-pressure medications such as clonidine, guanadrel, guanethidine, or
methyldopa, vasopressors.
- Alcohol: it may increase the unwanted effects of dizziness and lightheadedness.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Didrex.
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:: What are signs of a physical or mental dependence on Didrex?
The primary signs of dependence on Didrex (or other appetite suppressants) include a strong desire or need to continue taking the medicine, and a need to increase the dose to receive the effects of the medicine.
Other symptoms may include increased/decreased appetite, disregard for consequences of negative behaviors, feelings of isolation, paranoia, feelings of well-being, hallucinations, irritability and mood swings, and sleep disorders.
If you have been taking Didrex for an extended period of time or in large doses and you think you may be mentally or physically dependent on it, inform your doctor.
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:: What should I expect after I end my Didrex treatment?
Stopping Didrex may lead to an adjustment period for your body and you may experience withdrawal side effects. The length of time this takes depends on the amount of medicine you were using and how long you used it.
If you have been taking Didrex in large doses or for a long period of time, you should consult your doctor before stopping therapy. Your doctor may decide it is best to gradually reduce the dose to help minimize withdrawal side effects.
Contact your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects after you have stopped therapy: severe irritability, excessive excitedness, trouble sleeping or nightmares, extreme weakness or tiredness, trembling, severe depression, nausea or vomiting, stomach cramps or pain, or skin disease.
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:: What are the symptoms of a possible overdose of Didrex?
The possible symptoms of an overdose may include: dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, panic, assaultiveness, fever, tremor, over active reflexes, convulsions, irregular heartbeat, irregular blood pressure, rapid breathing, severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. A period of excitement usually followed by tiredness, weakness and depression.
If someone takes a much larger dose than recommended, call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS) 911, or the poison control center immediately.
National Poison Control Center telephone number: 800-222-1222
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:: Is Didrex available over the counter?
No. Didrex is currently available by prescription only.
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:: How can I get a Didrex prescription online?
Go to our Didrex price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Didrex prices, no prior prescription required.
Our featured US-based online pharmacies work with US-licensed doctors and pharmacists to provide you with your prescriptions through an online consultation.
If this is your first time ordering Didrex online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: How much does Didrex cost?
Some companies charge less per pill but charge you separately for their consultation and pharmacy dispensing fees. Others include these fees into their final pricing.
RxPriceCheck's featured pharmacies give you a free online medical consultation with your order. Be sure to compare Didrex prices before buying.
Usually, the more tablets you buy, the cheaper the price per tablet.
Go to our Didrex price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Didrex prices, no prior prescription required.
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:: What is generic Didrex and is it available?
The generic name for Didrex is benzphetamine. Only Didrex brand is currently available in the US.
See our Didrex price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Didrex prices, no prior prescription required.
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:: Is it safe to order Didrex or other medications from non-US pharmacies?
Purchasing Didrex from non-U.S. pharmacies can be potentially dangerous. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not recommend ordering medications online from pharmacies located outside the U.S. because it cannot guarantee the origin, quality or safety of the medication or regulate the manufacturers. Therefore, it may be filled with other ingredients that may harm you, or it may be fake, sold as Didrex, but not contain the active ingredient.
RxPriceCheck.com only affiliates with online US pharmacies that work with US licensed physicians and pharmacists, and sell Didrex approved by the FDA and manufactured by Pharmacia & Upjohn Company. You can therefore choose from our list of online US pharmacies with confidence.
See our Didrex price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Didrex prices, no prior prescription required.
* For best results, Didrex, like all other weight loss medications, should be used together with a diet, exercise, and behavior program.
For guidelines on losing weight, and tools that help you keep track of your weight-loss, calorie consumption, and exercising progress by calculating your daily calorie and fat requirements as well as how many calories you can burn doing various exercises, see our extensive Weight Loss FAQ .
If this is your first time ordering Didrex online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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* The information contained in RxPriceCheck.com is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider regarding your medical condition. All product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. View our terms of use .
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