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Didrex, a prescription diet pill, is a brand of benzphetamine hydrochloride tablets. It is the common name of the drug ‘benzphetamine’.

Benzphetamine is a sympathomimetic amine that is anorexic in action. The main function of this drug is to reduce hunger, which in turn reduces caloric intake. Its function is to prevent weight gain rather than cure the excess fat after its absorption in the body.

Contents 1 Ingredients 2 Mechanism of action 3 Pharmocology 4 Clinical use 5 Side effects 6 Addiction 6.1 Impairment 7 Contraindications 8 External links

Didrex tablets contain the anorectic agent benzphetamine hydrochloride. Benzphetamine hydrochloride is a white crystalline powder readily soluble in water and 95% ethanol. The chemical name for benzphetamine hydrochloride is d-N,-α Dimethyl-N-(phenylmethyl)-benzeneeth-anamine hydrochloride.

Each Didrex tablet contains 50 mg of benzphetamine hydrochloride. Inactive ingredients include:

• Calcium stearate
• Corn starch
• Ervthrosine sodium
• FD 8 C Yellow No.61
• Lactose
• Povidone
• Sorbitol

Didrex is taken orally.

Although the mechanism of action of the sympathomimetic appetite suppressants in the treatment of obesity is not fully known, these medications have pharmacological effects similar to those of amphetamines. Amphetamine and related sympathomimetic medications (such as benzphetamine) are thought to stimulate the release of norepinephrine and/or dopamine from storage sites in nerve terminals in the lateral hypothalamic feeding center, thereby producing a decrease in appetite. This release is mediated by the binding of benzphetamine to centrally located adrenergic receptors

Benzphetamine, a phenylalkylamin, is related to amphetamine both chemically and pharmacologically. It is an anorectic agent indicated in the management of exogenous obesity as a short term adjunct (a few weeks) in a regimen of weight reduction based on caloric restriction. Benzphetamine is a sympathomimetic amine with pharmacologic activity similar to the prototype drugs of this class used in obesity, the amphetamines. Actions include central nervous system stimulation and elevation of blood pressure. Tachyphylaxis and tolerance have been demonstrated with all drugs of this class in which these phenomena have been looked for.

For the management of exogenous obesity as a short term adjunct (a few weeks) in a regimen of weight reduction based on caloric restriction

Didrex tablets are contraindicated in patients with advanced arteriosclerosis, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, moderate to severe hypertension, hyper-thyroidism, known hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to sympathomimetic amines, and glaucoma. Benzphetamine should not be given to patients who are in an agitated state or who have a history of drug abuse.

Didrex is a habit forming drug and can be addictive, and that it should be used with caution while doing any hazardous activity, since it might cause dizziness and restlessness.

Didrex is similar to an amphetamine, which may impair the ability of the user to engage in potentially hazardous activities such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle.

Didrex Tablets are contraindicated in patients with advanced arteriosclerosis, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, moderate to severe hypertension, hyper-thyroidism, known hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to sympathomimetic amines, and glaucoma. Benzphetamine should not be given to patients who are in an agitated state or who have a history of drug abuse.

• Drugs.com: Didrex
• Buzzle.com: Diet pills