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What Is the Drug Bontril?

Bontril is a brand name for the prescription oral medication phendimetrazine tartrate. Doctors commonly prescribe Bontril for the treatment of obesity in patients whose Body Mass Index is greater than 30, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

  1. Function

    • Bontril works by increasing the activity of your central nervous system and raising your blood pressure levels, which helps you burn more calories. Although it's often called an appetite suppressant, its main benefits do not come from making patients less hungry.

    Time Frame

    • Doctors only prescribe Bontril for short periods of time to assist patients with their weight loss. The drug is not designed to be used for a period of several months or years, according to the Mayo Clinic's Web site.

    Features

    • In order to lose weight while taking Bontril, it is necessary to adopt a healthy diet and get regular exercise.

    Risks

    • Side effects of Bontril include constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, irritability, nausea, vomiting, nervousness, insomnia and trembling. There are a number of other risks associated with Bontril, such as physical dependence, severe depression, heart disease and hyperglycemia, cautions the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

    Considerations

    • Because it can cause fetal dependence on the drug, doctors rarely prescribe Bontril for use in pregnant women. If you have a history of substance abuse, Type 2 diabetes, mental illness, glaucoma, hypertension, heart disease, hyperthyroidism or kidney disease, it may not be safe for you to take Bontril, warns the Mayo Clinic.

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