Comprehensive medication guide to Phendimetrazine including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$15–$50 copay per fill on most commercial plans; Tier 2–3 formulary placement common; prior authorization or step therapy (phentermine first) may apply. Medicare Part D does not cover Phendimetrazine.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$40–$65 retail for 90 count 35 mg tablets; $90–$140 retail for 105 mg ER capsules (30 count); as low as $10.86 with GoodRx or $19.85 with SingleCare for a 90-tablet fill.
Medfinder Findability Score
62/100
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Phendimetrazine is a prescription sympathomimetic amine anorectic used as a short-term adjunct to diet and exercise for the management of exogenous obesity in adults. It was formerly sold under the brand names Bontril PDM and Bontril Slow Release, both of which have been discontinued. Today, Phendimetrazine is available only as a generic medication.
FDA-approved since 1976, Phendimetrazine is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance by the DEA. It is indicated for adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher, or 27 kg/m² or higher with at least one weight-related health condition such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Phendimetrazine is available in two formulations: 35 mg immediate-release tablets (taken 2-3 times per day before meals) and 105 mg extended-release capsules (taken once daily before the morning meal). It is not approved for use in patients under 17 years of age.
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Phendimetrazine is a prodrug — it is converted by the body into its pharmacologically active metabolite, phenmetrazine. Approximately 30% of an oral dose undergoes this conversion. Phenmetrazine acts as a norepinephrine-dopamine releasing agent (NDRA), stimulating neurons to release these neurotransmitters in the brain.
The release of norepinephrine activates the sympathetic nervous system, suppressing appetite, elevating heart rate, and increasing blood pressure. The gradual conversion from phendimetrazine to phenmetrazine produces a steadier, more prolonged drug exposure than taking phenmetrazine directly — which also reduces (though does not eliminate) abuse potential.
Tolerance to Phendimetrazine's appetite-suppressing effects typically develops within a few weeks, which is why it is indicated only for short-term use. The average half-life of elimination is approximately 3.7 hours for both the immediate-release and extended-release formulations.
35 mg — immediate-release tablet
Taken 2-3 times per day, 1 hour before meals. Maximum dose: 70 mg three times per day.
105 mg — extended-release capsule
Taken once daily, 30-60 minutes before morning meal. Swallow whole — do not crush, chew, or open.
As of 2026, Phendimetrazine is not listed on the FDA's official drug shortage database. However, patients frequently encounter localized unavailability at pharmacies — particularly large chain locations. This is driven by DEA Schedule III production quotas, a limited number of generic manufacturers, rising demand for weight-loss medications, and low routine stocking levels at chain pharmacies.
Independent pharmacies are generally more reliable sources for Phendimetrazine, as they work with multiple wholesalers and order based on patient relationships rather than automated inventory algorithms. Both the 35 mg tablet and 105 mg ER capsule formulations may have different availability at the same pharmacy — it's worth asking about both.
To find Phendimetrazine in stock near you without calling pharmacy after pharmacy, use medfinder. Enter your medication, dosage, and location, and medfinder will check nearby pharmacies and text you the results.
Phendimetrazine is a Schedule III controlled substance. Any DEA-licensed prescriber with authority to prescribe Schedule III controlled substances may prescribe it. This includes physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants with appropriate DEA registration.
Telehealth prescribing of Phendimetrazine is significantly limited because it is a Schedule III drug. Most weight-loss telehealth platforms focus on Schedule IV medications (phentermine) or non-controlled options. An in-person visit is typically required to obtain a Phendimetrazine prescription.
Yes. Phendimetrazine is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Schedule III substances have a moderate potential for abuse and dependence — less than Schedule I or II drugs, but more than Schedule IV or V.
As a Schedule III drug, Phendimetrazine prescriptions are subject to specific rules: they require a written or electronic prescription from a DEA-licensed prescriber, can be refilled up to 5 times within 6 months of the original prescription date (in most states), and cannot be refilled early under most state laws. DEA annual production quotas limit how much Phendimetrazine can be manufactured each year, which contributes to availability challenges.
The Schedule III classification also means Phendimetrazine has known potential for dependence and abuse — particularly if taken in doses higher than prescribed or for longer periods than recommended. Abrupt discontinuation after prolonged high-dose use can cause withdrawal symptoms including extreme fatigue and depression.
Common side effects include:
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Phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira)
Schedule IV, most widely prescribed weight-loss stimulant in the U.S. Similar mechanism; more widely available and generally less expensive than Phendimetrazine.
Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate ER)
Schedule IV combination drug approved for chronic weight management. Higher efficacy profile; approved for long-term use unlike Phendimetrazine.
Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion)
Non-controlled, non-stimulant weight-loss medication. Targets brain reward and hunger centers. Good option for patients who cannot use stimulants.
Benzphetamine (Didrex)
Schedule III, pharmacologically similar sympathomimetic amine anorectic. Less available than Phendimetrazine due to limited manufacturing.
Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
Non-controlled fat absorption blocker. Available OTC (Alli 60 mg) or by prescription (Xenical 120 mg). No stimulant effects.
Prefer Phendimetrazine? We can find it.
MAO Inhibitors (phenelzine, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine, selegiline)
majorContraindicated. Do not use within 14 days of an MAOI. Risk of acute hypertensive crisis, stroke, or death.
Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)
majorContraindicated. Combined use can cause acute hypertensive episode.
Other anorectic agents (phentermine, benzphetamine, diethylpropion)
majorContraindicated. Combination associated with 23-fold increased risk of pulmonary hypertension.
Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, nortriptyline)
moderateModerate interaction. May increase or decrease sympathomimetic effects unpredictably. Use with caution and monitor.
Insulin and diabetes medications
moderateModerate interaction. Phendimetrazine may alter insulin requirements and blood glucose control. Monitor blood sugar closely.
Antihypertensives (guanethidine, other BP medications)
moderatePhendimetrazine decreases the hypotensive effect of guanethidine and may counteract other blood pressure medications.
Alcohol
moderateConcomitant use may result in adverse drug reaction. Avoid alcohol while taking Phendimetrazine.
Phendimetrazine is a time-tested, FDA-approved weight-loss medication with a track record dating back to 1976. As a generic drug, it is significantly more affordable than newer weight-loss options like GLP-1 medications — often costing as little as $10-$35 per fill with a discount card. For appropriate patients who need short-term appetite suppression to kickstart their weight-loss journey, Phendimetrazine remains a valid clinical option.
The main practical challenge in 2026 is finding it in stock. As a Schedule III controlled substance subject to DEA production quotas, Phendimetrazine is not routinely carried at every pharmacy — particularly at large chain locations. Planning ahead, working with independent pharmacies, and asking about both formulations can make a real difference in getting your prescription filled on time.
If you're having trouble finding Phendimetrazine at your local pharmacy, medfinder can help. Enter your medication and location, and medfinder will check pharmacies near you and send results directly to your phone — no need to call pharmacy after pharmacy.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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