DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE
Controlled Substance
Phendimetrazine tartrate tablets are defined by the Drug
Enforcement Administration as a Schedule lll controlled substance.
Dependence
Phendimetrazine tartrate is related chemically and
pharmacologically to the amphetamines. Amphetamines and related stimulant drugs
have been extensively abused and the possibility of abuse of phendimetrazine
should be kept in mind when evaluating the desirability of including a drug as
part of a weight reduction program. Abuse of amphetamines and related drugs may
be associated with intense psychological dependence and severe social
dysfunction. There are reports of patients who have increased the dosage to many
times that recommended. Abrupt cessation following prolonged high dosage
administration results in extreme fatigue and mental depression; changes are
also noted on the sleep EEG. Manifestations of chronic intoxication with
anorectic drugs include severe dermatoses, marked insomnia, irritability,
hyperactivity and personality changes. The most severe manifestation of chronic
intoxications is psychosis, often clinically indistinguishable from
schizophrenia.
Overdosage
Acute overdosage with phendimetrazine tartrate may manifest
itself by the following signs and symptoms: unusual restlessness, confusion,
belligerence, hallucinations and panic states. Fatigue and depression usually
follow the central stimulation. Cardiovascular effects include arrhythmias,
hypertension or hypotension and circulatory collapse. Gastrointestinal symptoms
include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Poisoning may result in
convulsions, coma and death.
The management of overdosage is largely symptomatic. It includes sedation
with a barbiturate. If hypertension is marked, the use of a nitrate or
rapid-acting alpha receptor-blocking agent should be considered. Experience with
hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is inadequate to permit recommendations for
its use.
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