Bontril - Warnings and Precautions

Bontril: What should I tell my doctor?

Before using Bontril® (phendimetrazine tartrate) you should talk to your doctor if you have the following conditions:

* Hyperthyroidism (condition of an overactive thyroid)
* High blood pressure (known as hypertension)
* Glaucoma (a condition of the eye)
* Any kind of heart problems, such as congestive heart failure, certain irregular heart rhythms (known as arrhythmias) or heart disease
* Any kind of allergies, such as allergies to preservatives, dyes or foods
* Diabetes
* A history of heart attack
* A history of alcohol or drug abuse
* Anxiety.

Also, you should inform your doctor in case you are:

* Thinking of becoming pregnant
* Pregnant
* Breast-feeding.

Also, you should ensure you inform your doctor all the other drugs you are on, which may include non-prescription and prescription medicines, herbal supplements and vitamins.

Bontril - Specific Precautions and Warnings

Here are some of the precautions and warnings that you should know before taking Bontril:

* This drug could increase your blood pressure and heart rate. It could lead to problems, particularly in case you already suffer from heart problems or high blood pressure.
* Chemically, Bontril is similar to amphetamines that are often abused. Using this drug for long periods could result in dependence. As Bontril is often abused, there are specific rules with regard to its prescription and supply.
* Bontril could worsen glaucoma. Talk to your doctor before using this medication in case you have glaucoma.
* If case you suffer from diabetes and are taking insulin, inform your doctor, who may require modifying the dosage of insulin as Bontril is an appetite suppressor.
* Before starting with the Bontril medication, your doctor should ensure that your obesity is not a result of a medical condition.
* Bontril could hinder your ability to carry out tasks that need total concentration, for instance, operating machinery, driving, or piloting a plane, particularly in the initial weeks of treatment. You need to exercise caution as you perform these tasks till you are sure of how the medication affects you.
* Bontril could interact with numerous other medications.
* It may not be safe to take Bontril when pregnant.
* It is not known if Bontril could pass through breast milk. So, in case you plan to breast feed or are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medication.

Bontril - Who should not take it?

You should not use Bontril in the following cases:

* You are allergic to Bontril, phendimetrazine, or other inactive components that are present in Bontril. Your doctor or pharmacist would have a list of all the inactive components.
* Are severely nervous or agitated
* Have a heart condition, such as atherosclerosis (known as hardening of the arteries) or heart disease
* Suffer from high blood pressure (known as hypertension).
* Have glaucoma (which is a condition of the eye).
* Suffer from an overactive thyroid (known as hyperthyroidism).
* Have a history of alcohol or drug abuse.
* Have used monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) in the previous 14 days. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors include:
o Phenelzine (Nardil®)
o Isocarboxazid (Marplan®)
o Rasagiline (Azilect®)
o Tranylcypromine (Parnate®)
o Selegiline (Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Zelapar®)

Bontril Warnings and Precautions - Summing Up

There are numerous situations where Bontril should not be had. Also, people should be aware of the warning and precautions before they start taking this medication. Nevertheless, it is not possible to discuss all the precautions and warnings in this article. Consequently, you should discuss with your doctor if you concerns about any particular Bontril precautions and warnings that could apply to you.