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Melfiat
Generic name: phendimetrazine
What is Melfiat?
Melfiat is like an amphetamine. This medicine works on the central nervous system (nerves and brain), which raises your heart rate and blood pressure and reduces your appetite.
Melfiat is used along with diet and exercise to help treat obesity.
Melfiat may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
How should I take Melfiat?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Melfiat is usually taken 1 hour before meals. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Never use Melfiat in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Taking more of this medication will not make it more effective and can cause serious, life-threatening side effects.
Melfiat is for short-term use only. The effects of appetite suppression may wear off after a few weeks.
Melfiat may be habit-forming. Misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Selling or giving away Melfiat is against the law.
Call your doctor at once if you think this medicine is not working as well, or if you have not lost at least 4 pounds within 4 weeks.
Do not stop using Melfiat suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
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Warnings
You should not take Melfiat if you have glaucoma, an overactive thyroid, serious heart issues, uncontrolled high blood pressure, advanced coronary artery disease, severe agitation, or a history of drug abuse.
Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Melfiat if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- severe heart problems;
- advanced coronary artery disease (clogged arteries);
- severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
- overactive thyroid;
- glaucoma;
- extreme agitation or nervousness; or
- a history of drug abuse.
Do not use Melfiat if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.
Weight loss during pregnancy can harm an unborn baby, even if you are overweight. Do not use Melfiat if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- heart disease or coronary artery disease;
- high blood pressure;
- diabetes (your diabetes medication dose may need to be adjusted); or
- an allergy to food dye or aspirin.
Melfiat is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.
It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
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Melfiat side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Melfiat may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:
- pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
- tremors, severe agitation, feeling restless, trouble sleeping;
- unusual changes in mood or behavior;
- little or no urination; or
- increased blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, anxiety, nosebleed.
Common side effects of Melfiat may include:
- flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
- increased sweating or urination;
- dizziness, headache;
- blurred vision;
- dry mouth, nausea;
- diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain; or
- increased or decreased interest in sex.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is late in the day. Do not use two doses at the same time.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Taking too much Melfiat can be deadly.
Symptoms of an overdose may include confusion, panic, hallucinations, extreme restlessness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, feeling tired or depressed, irregular heartbeats, weak pulse, seizure, or slow breathing (breathing may stop).
Do not drive or engage in dangerous activities until you understand how Melfiat affects you. Your reactions might be affected.
Drinking alcohol while using this medicine can lead to side effects.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What other drugs will affect Melfiat?
Other drugs may affect Melfiat, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you begin or stop using.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
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Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.