Bontril Drug Information

Brand Name: Bontril
GenericName: Phendimetrazine (fen di MEH tra zeen)

Are Bontril Diet Pills Right For You?

Losing weight isn't easy and sometimes a person needs more help than sticking to their workout routine and establishing a healthy food diet to actually lose their fat.  For those individuals who are in need of additional assistance, weight loss drugs, such as Bontril diet pills, may be able to help them reach their goal.

However, if you are someone who is interested in reducing your weight, you should know that Bontril diet pills may not be the best choice for your particular needs.  Furthermore, you may not be considered eligible for this medication even if you want to take it.  Part of this reason is it is a prescription drug and does require your doctor's approval.  The second factor, that needs to be taken into account, is that Bontril is primarily prescribed to those individuals who suffer from obesity and require treatment for the condition because conventional diet methods simply are not enough.

That said, here is some information about Bontril diet pills to help you improve your knowledge about this weight management aid, so you can decide if you think it is worth your time to speak to your doctor about taking this product.

Bontril diet pills help a person shed excess body fat by suppressing their appetite.  Each pill contains an active ingredient that is known as phendimetrazine.  This is a sympathomimetic amine that is not unlike an amphetamine and affects the central nervous system to reduce hunger by increasing heart rate and blood pressure.  Essentially, the brain is tricked into thinking the body is not hungry.  Therefore, a person is able to lower their weight by ingesting fewer calories.

Although they are appetite suppressants, Bontril diet pills are designed to be used in combination with exercise, a reduced-calorie diet and a behavior change program.  Those who are prescribed this medication follow a strict regimen and are monitored closely by their healthcare provider who oversees their progress.  It is important that a healthcare professional monitors those taking this product because there are many side effects linked to this medicine, some of which can be quite serious.

Finally, Bontril diet pills are meant to be used only for a short period of time, usually 8 to 12 weeks, to help an individual establish a healthy and effective diet plan that will become a lifestyle.  It is not a long-term solution.

To discover more about Bontril diet pills and determine if they are right for you, consult with your physician.

What is the most important information I should know about Bontril?

• If you decide to begin 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.
• 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 Bontril gradually.
• Do not crush, chew, or open any "once-daily" Bontril tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole.

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.

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.
• 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 Bontril
  • impotence or changes in your sex drive.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur while taking Bontril. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

How should I 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" Bontril tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole. phentermine
• 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.

What happens if I miss a Bontril dose?

• Take the missed Bontril 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 Bontril.

What happens if I overdose on Bontril?

• Seek emergency medical attention immediately.
• Symptoms of a Bontril overdose include restlessness, tremor, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, panic, aggressiveness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, an irregular heartbeat, and seizures.

What are the 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 Bontril
  • impotence or changes in your sex drive.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur while taking Bontril. 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 Bontril.
• Before taking this Bontril, 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.