Dexfenfluramine is a weight loss pill marketed with the brand name Redux.  It is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor and releasing agent. Redux is actually dexfenfluramine hydrochloride. U.S. Food and Drug administration approved it in 1990 to be used for weight loss. Later it was related to several cardio vascular diseases including primary pulmonary hypertension and its approval was cancelled in 1997.

Dexfenfluramine or Redux is a weight loss drug. It is used for treatment of obesity. It helps to reduce weight if taken along with a low calorie diet. This drug has been removed from market in U.S. by FDA due to safety concerns. It has been linked with heart problems including primary pulmonary hypertension.

Side Effects of Dexfenfluramine

Dexfenfluramine could cause many common or sever side effects. If any of serious side effects occur due to use of this drug, immediately call your doctor.

Common Side Effects of Dexfenfluramine

Use of Dexfenfluramine could cause following common side effects

• Drowsiness
• Diarrhea
• Gas or nausea, vomiting
• Running nose
• Change in taste
• Constipation
• Dryness in mouth
• Headache
• Heart burn
• Less sleep
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Sweating

If any of these side effects becomes persistent or chronic, it is advisable to call the doctor immediately.

Severe Side Effects Of Dexfenfluramine

Use of dexfenfluramine could lead to many severe side effects. If any of these symptoms develops, it is advisable to immediately seek medical assistance. Following are severe side effects of Dexfenfluramine.

• Use of Dexfenfluramine could lead to Pulmonary Hypertension. It is a fatal side effect.
• Dexfenfluramine overdose could cause Tachycardia.
• Its overdose could lead to convulsions.
• Its overdose could also cause restlessness or excitement.
• Other side effect of dexfenfluramine overdose is ventricular arrhythmia.
• Persistent dizziness or drowsiness could occur due to use of this medicine.
• Some patients may suffer from chronic headache after using this drug.
• Persistent nausea or vomiting is another serious side effect of this drug.
• Some patients may suffer from breathing trouble or chest pain.
• It could also lead to vision changes.
• Some patients may have fainting feeling.
• It could also cause stomach pain.
• Swelling of feet or ankle could also occur after its use.
• It could lead to rapid pulse and unusual weakness.
• It could also cause muscle pain.
• It could cause allergic reactions such as rashes, itching, swelling, dizziness and breathing trouble.
• The most severe side effect of this drug is the development of valvular heart disease. It could result into primarily aortic regurgitation, hypertension, angina pectoris, palpitation, vasodilation and migraine.

This drug has been widely linked with primary pulmonary hypertension, which could be life threatening ultimately.

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

It is severe diseases, which could yield fatal results. The symptoms of primary pulmonary hypertension are dyspnea, angina pectoris, syncope or lower extremity edema.

A 2-year, international study concluded that use of anorexigens such as dexfenfluramine for longer than 3 months could increase the risk of developing primary pulmonary hypertension or PPH. It is serious condition, which could lead to fatal results. Patients using Dexfenfluramine should immediately seek medical help if they develop any exercise intolerance, as it could be a symptom of Primary pulmonary Hypertension.

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