Basic Information
- Habit forming? Yes
- Prescription needed? Yes
- Available as generic? Yes
- Drug class: Appetite suppressant
Uses
Dosage & Usage Information
How to take:
Tablet or capsule--Swallow with liquid. You may chew or crush
tablet.
Extended-release tablets or capsules-- Swallow each dose whole
with liquid; do not crush.
Elixir--Swallow with liquid.
When to take:
Long-acting forms--10 to 14 hours before bedtime.
Short-acting forms--1 hour before meals. Last dose no later
than 4 to 6 hours before bedtime.
If you forget a dose:
Long-acting form--Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours
late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't
double this dose).
Short-acting form--Wait for next scheduled dose. Don't double
this dose.
What drug does:
Apparently stimulates brain's appetite-control center.
Time lapse before drug works:
Begins in 1 hour. Short-acting form lasts 4 hours. Long-acting
form lasts 14 hours.
Don't take with:
Non-prescription drugs without consulting doctor.
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Overdose
SYMPTOMS:
Irritability, overactivity, trembling, insomnia, mood changes,
fever, rapid heartbeat, confusion, disorientation, hallucinations,
convulsions, coma.
WHAT TO DO:
- Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance
or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
- See EMERGENCY Information.
Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects
Life-threatening:
In case of overdose, see Overdose section.
Common:
Irritability, nervousness, insomnia, false sense of well-being.
Infrequent:
- Irregular or pounding heartbeat, urgent or difficult urination.
- Blurred vision, unpleasant taste or dry mouth, constipation
or diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, cramps, changes in sex drive,
increased sweating, headache, nightmares, weakness.
Rare:
- Mood changes, rash or hives, breathing difficulty.
- Hair loss.
Warnings & Precautions
Don't take if:
- You are allergic to any sympathomimetic or phenylpropanolamine.
- You have glaucoma.
- You have taken MAO inhibitors within 2 weeks.
- You plan to become pregnant within medication period.
- You have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
- You have irregular or rapid heartbeat.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
- If you have high blood pressure or heart disease.
- If you have an overactive thyroid, nervous tension or
anxiety.
- If you have epilepsy.
- If you will have surgery within 2 months, including dental
surgery, requiring general or spinal anesthesia.
- If you take any other over-the-counter medicine.
Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and
severe than in younger persons.
Pregnancy:
Safety not established. Avoid.
Breast-feeding:
Safety not established. Consult doctor.
Infants & children:
Don't give to children younger than 12.
Prolonged use:
- Loses effectiveness. Avoid.
- Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical
examinations or laboratory studies.
Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine
affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't
climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if
you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and
reflexes, such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives,
pain medicine, narcotics and mind-altering drugs.
Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may require
gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time.
Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment.
Others:
Don't increase dose.
Possible Interaction with Other Drugs
