Bontril Side Effects
The side effects of Bontril are produced by two mechanisms.
One set of side effects are a result of its stimulatory action on the sympathetic nervous system. These include restlessness, sleeplessness, tremors, headaches, dizziness, blurring of vision. This may result in elevated blood pressure and an increased heart rate. If that weren’t enough, there are other related side effects as well. These include dryness of the mouth, nausea, diarrhea constipation, stomach pain, increased urination and changes in sexual drive. .
The second mechanism that results in Bontril side effects is the hypersensitivity that some patients have to this drug. Such an allergic reaction can manifest itself as itching, rash, blebs or swelling of the lips and eyelids. Such symptoms warrant an immediate termination of drug therapy. Continued therapy in such an individual experiencing such side effects can lead to anaphylactic shock and respiratory arrest.
Drug abuse:
Abuse of amphetamines and related drugs like Bontril may be associated with intense psychological dependence and severe social dysfunction. Signs suggestive of abuse include skin changes, irritability, hyperactivity, aggressiveness and personality changes. Prolonged use of Bontril diet pills at doses much higher than therapeutic recommendations have led to psychosis not unlike that seen in Schizophrenia.
Overdose:
An acute overdosae of the drug will result in symptoms like: unusual restlessness, confusion, belligerence, hallucinations, and panic states. Fatigue and depression usually follow the central stimulation. It may also result in…
- very low blood pressure or very high blood pressure
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- abdominal cramps.
Poisoning may result in convulsions, coma, and death. The management of a Bontrol overdose is largely symptomatic. It includes hospitalization with intravenous sedation. If hypertension is marked, the use of a powerful anti-hypertensive may be administered under cardiovascular monitoring. There is no specific antidote or modality available to remove the drug from the system.
