Benzphetamine
From Drug Rehab Wiki
A sympathomimetic amine, Benzphetamine is a drug that is similar to an amphetamine and is known as an anorectic or anorexigenic drug. Benzphetamine is the generic of the drug Didrex and is used as a short-term supplement to diet and exercise in the treatment of obesity and can be very effective as it stimulates the central nervous system. When it acts as it is intended, Bezaphetamine increases the heart rate and blood pressure, while also decreasing appetite.
Health care professionals often warn that the use of diet pills is one of the most dangerous methods for losing weight and the application of Benzphetamine and other medications like it should only be used under the care of a doctor. When easily accessible, such pills can be addictive and even deadly.
Contents |
Abuses of Benzphetamine
Benzphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance under the Controlled Substance Act by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Much of its addictive danger comes from its chemical and pharmacological similarities to amphetamines and related stimulant drugs that have been extensively abused. The possibility of abuse must be heavily considered before Benzphetamine is prescribed to a patient as part of a weight reduction program.
The abuse of Benzphetamine, amphetamines and other related drugs is thought to be associated with the intense psychological dependence and severe social dysfunction. Reports have been documented of patients taking increased dosages that are much higher than recommended. Such abuse builds tolerance to the drug and can have a lasting impact on the user as a psychological and physical dependence develops.
Effects of Benzphetamine
As with taking any medication for a period of time, the Benzphetamine user can experience certain side effects – some serious and others merely uncomfortable. Serious side effects can include an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); an irregular heartbeat or very high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision); or hallucinations, abnormal behavior, or confusion.
Less serious side effects can include restlessness or tremor, anxiety or nervousness, headache or dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth, diarrhea or constipation, or impotence or changes in your sex drive.
If serious side effects develop, it is recommended that the user stop taking the medication right away and consult his or her physician. For less serious effects, the physician should still be notified, but the medication should be continued until the patient is told otherwise by his or her physician.
Withdrawal of Benzphetamine
The symptoms of withdrawal can be severe if a person has developed a dependence on or a tolerance for Benzphetamine. Minor symptoms can appear eight to 12 hours after the most recent dose of the medication, while major symptoms are likely to appear within 16 hours and can last up to five days.
Withdrawal symptoms associated with cessation of Benzphetamine can include, but are not limited to:
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Confusion
• Psychotic reaction
• Intense hunger
• Irritability
• Increased sleeping
• Hangover
• Disturbed sleep
• Violence
• Craving
Treatment of Benzphetamine Addiction
While severe side effects and withdrawal symptoms can be common with an addiction to Benzphetamine, it is important that a patient only take the medication under the close care of a physician. If an addiction develops, it could put a person’s life at risk. Cessation of the medication should only be done under close monitoring by a physician and if addiction is present, intense treatment may be necessary.
A patient must be evaluated by a board-certified physician and a board-certified psychiatrist to determine the proper method for treatment of their Benzphetamine addiction. Detoxification is often necessary and best completed in a 24x7 environment. A quality center will offer Benzphetamine addicts a comfortable detox method to help rid the body completely of the drug while also managing withdrawal symptoms.
