The Encyclopedia of ADDICTIVE DRUGS

(Greg DeLong) #1

Phendimetrazine


Pronunciation:fen-di-MEH-tra-zeen (also pronounced fen-dye-MEH-trah-zeen)


Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number:21784-30-5 (Bontril format); 569-
59-5 (Plegine format); 50-58-8 (Prelu-2 format).


Formal Names:Bontril, Plegine, Prelu-2


Informal Names:Pink Hearts


Type:Stimulant (anorectic class).Seepage 15


Federal Schedule Listing:Schedule III (DEA no. 1615)


USA Availability:Prescription


Pregnancy Category:C


Uses.Phendimetrazine is related tophenmetrazine. Indeed, the body con-
verts part of a phendimetrazine dose into phenmetrazine, a fact to be remem-
bered if employment drug screening unjustly accuses someone of using
phenmetrazine. Short-term weight control is the main medical use of phen-
dimetrazine; one experiment found it 20 more times effective than placebo—
an astonishing result for any diet pill. Effectiveness declines as administration
continues, and standard practice is then to stop the drug gradually rather than
increase the dosage. A derivative of the drug has been found useful for treat-
ing pyoderma gangrenosum, a skin affliction involving large sores.
Drawbacks.If dosage suddenly stops, weariness and depression can occur.
A small reduction in blood pressure is observed among some users, but gen-
erally the drug raises blood pressure and is considered inappropriate for per-
sons with hypertension (high blood pressure). The compound has been linked
with hypertension in blood circulation to lungs, a potentially fatal condition
causing trouble in breathing. Users have experienced edginess, disturbed
sleep, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, accelerated pulse rate, and feel-
ings of heart tremors. Other muscle tremors can occur. Phendimetrazine can
interfere with functioning needed to handle a car or dangerous tools. The
compound can dry and even inflame the mouth, upset the stomach, loosen or
tighten the bowels, and make urination frequent and painful. Persons should
avoid the drug if they suffer from restlessness, glaucoma, excessive thyroid
activity, heart disease, hardening of the arteries, or drug abuse. The substance
may affect diabetics’ insulin needs. Overdose symptoms are similar to those
of amphetamine: hyperactivity, fear, aggression, hallucination.
Abuse factors.Phendimetrazine is a chemical relative of amphetamine and

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