Didrex

Didrex is a weight loss drug that is prescribed for short-term use only and is meant to be used with an appropriate diet. It works by suppressing the appetite and possibly increasing the metabolism. Didrex comes in tablet form and is typically taken one to three times a day. Possible side effects include insomnia, sweating, and headaches.

 

What Is Didrex?

Didrex® (benzphetamine hydrochloride) is a prescription weight loss medication approved for short-term use only. It should be used in conjunction with an appropriate diet.
 
(Click Didrex Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

Didrex is made by Pfizer, Inc.
 

How Does It Work?

Didrex works by suppressing the appetite, and it may also increase the metabolism.
 

Effects of Didrex

Only very short studies have evaluated the effectiveness of Didrex. In these studies, people taking this medication lost more weight than those not taking it, but the difference was small (only a fraction of a pound more per week for the people taking Didrex). Studies also suggest that the effects of the medication on weight loss decreased after the first few weeks.
 

When and How to Take It

Some general considerations for when and how to take Didrex include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth one to three times daily.
     
  • You can take Didrex on an empty stomach or with food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Didrex should be combined with an appropriate diet. It is not meant to be used without dieting.
     
  • Do not take this medication more often or at higher doses than prescribed, as this can lead to addiction or dependence.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
     

Dosing Information

The dose of Didrex your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • How you respond to the medication
  • Whether you develop bothersome or dangerous side effects
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Didrex Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Didrex

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Didrex. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
 
(Click Didrex Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

Didrex can interact with a number of other medications (see Didrex Drug Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Didrex?

Talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
 
  • Heart problems of any kind, including:
 
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Didrex Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much Didrex may experience the following symptoms:
 
  • Hyperactivity (trouble sitting still)
  • Fast breathing
  • High blood pressure or low blood pressure
  • Changes in heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Confusion
  • Fever
  • Muscle pains
  • Shakiness
  • Aggressiveness
  • Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there)
  • Seizures
  • Loss of life.
     
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Didrex Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Didrex Be Stored?

Didrex tablets should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, in an airtight container. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Didrex as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Available Strengths

Didrex tablets come in one strength -- Didrex 50 mg.
 

Is There a Generic Version of Didrex?

Currently, both brand-name and generic versions of Didrex are licensed for sale (see Generic Didrex).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;