Benzphetamine Hcl (benzphetamine HCl)

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Benzphetamine hydrochloride, a sympathomimetic amine, is asubstituted amphetamine that is used as an anorexigenic agent.

Benzphetamine hydrochloride is an amphetamine congener that is used as an anorexigenic agent. The pharmacologic activity of the drug is similar to the amphetamines and includes CNS stimulation and elevation of blood pressure.

Substituted amphetamines, such as benzphetamine, have stronger inhibitory effects on serotonin reuptake transporters. As with other amphetamine derivatives, no primary effect on appetite has been demonstrated with benzphetamine and it is probable that its anorexigenic effect is secondary to CNS stimulation.

USES: Benzphetamine is used short-term along with a doctor-approved, reduced-calorie diet, exercise, and behavior change program to help you lose weight. It is used in people who are significantly overweight (obese) and have not been able to lose enough weight with diet and exercise alone. Losing weight and keeping it off can reduce the many health risks that come with obesity, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a shorter life.

It is not known how this medication helps people to lose weight. It may work by decreasing your appetite, increasing the amount of energy used by your body, or by affecting certain parts of the brain. This medication is an appetite suppressant and belongs to a class of drugs called sympathomimetic amines.

Generic name: benzphetamine HCl
Pronunciation: (benz-FET-a-meen)

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

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Indications

The following indications are listed for Benzphetamine Hcl:

  • Weight Loss Management For Obese Patient (Body Mass Index 30 Or Greater)

Dosing

Dosage of benzphetamine hydrochloride should be individualized according to patient response. When the drug is used as an adjunct in the short-term treatment of exogenous obesity, the manufacturer suggests an initial adult dosage of 25-50 mg once daily, preferably given in midmorning or midafternoon according to the patient's dietary habits; it may be desirable to avoid late afternoon administration in some patients. The dose or frequency of administration may be subsequently increased based on patient response and tolerability. The suggested dosage ranges from 25-50 mg 1-3 times daily. However, the least amount feasible should be prescribed or dispensed at one time to avoid the possibility of overdosage.

Drug interactions

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Contraindications

*Patients with advanced arteriosclerosis, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, moderate to severe hypertension, hyperthyroidism, known hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to sympathomimetic amines, and glaucoma.

*Patients who are in an agitated state or who have a history of drug abuse.

*Concomitant use or use within 14 days following monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

*Concomitant use with other CNS stimulants.

*Women who are or may become pregnant.

Adverse reactions

Adverse effects of benzphetamine have included palpitation, tachycardia, elevated blood pressure, isolated reports of cardiomyopathy and ischemic cardiac events associated with chronic use, overstimulation, restlessness, dizziness, insomnia, tremor, sweating, headache, psychotic episodes, depression following withdrawal of the drug, dryness of the mouth, unpleasant taste, nausea, diarrhea, urticaria and other allergic skin reactions, and changes in libido.

Precautions

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ICD codes

No ICD codes are available for this drug.

Formulary status

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data