Mazindol (Sanorex)

• Type of Drug: Nonamphetamine appetite suppressant.
• Prescribed for: Short-term (2 to 3 months) appetite suppression and obesity. Mazindol may also be prescribed for Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy.

Mazindol General Information

Although this medicine is not an amphetamine, it has many amphetamine-like effects. It suppresses appetite by working on specific areas in the brain, though studies have shown that appetite suppressants are more effective when combined with behavior therapy than when they are taken alone. Each dose of Mazindol works for 8 to 15 hours.

Mazindol Cautions and Warnings

Do not take Mazindol if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, or glaucoma, or if you are sensitive or allergic to it or any other appetite suppressant. Do not use it if you are prone to emotional agitation or substance abuse, since appetite suppressants are inclined to be abused.

Possible Side Effects

• Common: a false sense of well-being, nervousness, euphoria (feeling “high”), overstimulation, restlessness, and trouble sleeping.
• Less common: palpitations, high blood pressure, drowsiness or sedation, weakness, dizziness, tremor, headache, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or other intestinal disturbances, rash, itching, changes in sex drive, hair loss, muscle pains, difficulty urinating, sweating, chills, blurred vision, and fever.

Mazindol Drug Interactions

• Taking other stimulants (including decongestants, some asthma medicines, nonprescription cold remedies) together with Mazindol may result in excessive stimulation.
• Taking this medicine within 2 weeks of taking any monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor drug may result in very high blood pressure.
• Appetite suppressants may reduce the effects of some medicines used to treat high blood pressure.
• One case of Lithium toxicity occurred in a person taking that drug in combination with Mazindol.

Food Interactions

Do not crush or chew this product. Mazindol may be taken on a full stomach to reduce stomach upset caused by the drug.

Usual Dose

1 mg 3 times a day, 1 hour before meals; or 2 mg once a day, before lunch.

Mazindol Overdosage

Symptoms of overdosage are restlessness, tremors, shallow breathing, confusion, hallucinations, and fever. These symptoms may be followed by fatigue and depression. Additional symptoms are changes in blood pressure, cold and clammy skin, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Take the victim to a hospital emergency room immediately, and ALWAYS bring the medicine bottle.

Mazindol Special Information

Do not take any appetite suppressant for more than 12 weeks as part of a weight-control program, and take it only under a doctor’s supervision. This medicine will not reduce body weight by itself. You must limit or modify your diet and follow your exercise regimen (if applicable).

Appetite suppressants often cause dry mouth, which increases the chances of dental cavities and gum disease. Pay special attention to oral hygiene if you are taking this medicine. The dry mouth usually can be relieved with sugarless candy, gum, or ice chips.

If you forget to take a dose of Mazindol, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.

Mazindol Special Populations

Pregnancy/Breast-feeding
Studies have shown that large doses of Mazindol may damage an unborn baby. All appetite suppressants, including Mazindol, should be avoided by women who are or could become pregnant. In cases where this drug is considered essential by your doctor, its potential benefits must be weighed against its possible hazards.
It is not known if Mazindol passes into breast milk. Nursing mothers should not take any appetite suppressant.

Seniors
Older adults should not take this medicine unless prescribed by a doctor. It can aggravate diabetes or high blood pressure, conditions common in older adults.