The Didrex diet pill is a prescription drug used as part of a weight loss treatment plan. It is not for everyone and requires strict medical attention when taken. Find out what this little peach colored tablet is, how it works, and whether or not it is a treatment possibility for you.
What is the Didrex Diet Pill?
Didrex is the brand name for a drug called benzphetamine. It is classified as an anorectic meaning it causes the loss of appetite. It is chemically related to a class of drugs known as amphetamines, which makes this drug susceptible to addiction and abuse. Other brand name anorectic weight loss drugs include Tenuate (diethylpropion), Bontril (phendimetrazine) , Ionamin (phentermine), and Adipex (phentermine).
Function
As mentioned, Didrex alters the function of the appetite control system in our brain. While researchers do not know for sure if its sole function is that of suppressing appetite, they believe it is most likely the reason it helps people to lose weight. Because the appetite is part of the central nervous system, studies continue to focus on other mechanisms within this intricate system of the body. With a decreased appetite or desire for food, weight loss follows due to fewer calories consumed at mealtime and subsequently throughout the course of a day.
Not For Everyone
Didrex is only prescribed for obese individuals in an effort to lose weight and therefore reduce the many health risks related to obesity. These include hypertension, or high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, and stroke. By losing 10% or more of total body weight, it has been shown that these obesity-related conditions are significantly less risky to the individual. For this reason, obesity status must be established and a medical doctor must be involved in the drug treatment plan.
Additional Precautions
Individuals with the following conditions or health status should not consider using Didrex as part of his or her weight loss program:
- advanced arteriosclerosis
- cardiovascular disease
- moderate to severe hypertension
- known sensitivity to drug ingredients
- glaucoma
- history of drug abuse/addiction
- agitated state
- currently taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI's) medications
- pregnant or trying to conceive
- breast feeding
- under 12 years of age
In addition, when tolerance to the medication has developed as indicated by reduced weight loss, the drug should be discontinued rather than the dose increased. The latter can be potentially hazardous and life-threatening. Precautions to the medication are also indicated for individuals taking antidepressants or insulin drugs as Didrex and changes in eating can interfere with their action.
Does It Work
The diet drug does work in most patients when calorie restriction and exercise are included in the daily weight loss plan. There are many clinical studies indicating that weight loss with the drug therapy exceeds the diet plans without the diet pill. While differences are only moderate, showing no more than a fraction of a pound each week, the reduction in weight significantly improves the health status of obese individuals. Averages of 5 to 22 additional pounds of weight were lost over the course of varying treatment periods in the studies in relation to a placebo pill being administered.
Side Effects
As with any drug, especially one that alters the function of the central nervous system, there are several side effects noted when taking the Didrex diet pill. These include:
- restlessness
- insomnia
- heart palpitations
- elevated blood pressure
- dizziness
- tremors
- sweating
- headaches
- dry mouth
- nausea
- diarrhea
- changes in libido
It is also recommended that persons taking Didrex be cautious when operating machinery or driving a vehicle due to the drug's ability to impair judgment. When using this medication as part of a treatment plan, a physician is required to regularly check heart rate and blood pressure, and change or cease medication when needed.
Cost
While medical insurance may cover the cost of this prescription diet drug (if your insurance plan covers prescriptions) due to the required medical diagnosis of obesity, for the sake of the non-insured, cost will range anywhere from $40 for 30 pills to $108 - $130 for 90 pills. The initial dose is typically one pill a day that may gradually be increased to three times a day. Hence, monthly cost will range between $40 - $120 depending on dose.
