Common Systemic hypertension (high blood pressure), Nausea, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Palpitations.

Common Sleepiness, Increased heart rate, Blurred vision, Difficulty in urination, Dryness in mouth, Weight gain, Constipation, Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing).

Expert advice for Phenylpropanolamine

Do not continue phenylpropanolamine for more than 7 days if your condition does not improve or if you have high fever.
Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart problems, liver or kidney disease, diabetes, prostate enlargement or visual problems due to increased pressure in the eyes (glaucoma).
Seek immediate medical attention and discontinue medication if you experience difficulty in breathing, sudden swelling or skin reactions, fits, rapid heartbeat or hallucinations.
Use with caution if you are a woman or an elderly patient. Woman may be at a higher risk of haemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain).
Avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel dizzy or drowsy after taking phenylpropanolamine.
Tell your doctor if you are or planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Do not take if allergic to phenylpropanolamine or any of its ingredients.

Expert advice for Melitracen
The main dose should be taken at night as this drug may produce drowsiness or sleepiness. It can take 4 to 6 weeks for Melitracen to start working. You should continue the treatment for at least 6 months after you feel better to stop depression from coming back. If your doctor asks you to stop Melitracen, you should reduce the dose slowly over 4 weeks. You should not discontinue it abruptly. Avoid driving or operating machinery as it may decrease alertness. Avoid consuming alcohol when taking the Melitracen, as it may cause excessive drowsiness and calmness. The addiction/dependence potential of Melitracen is very less. It may be extremely dangerous in overdose.

Q. Is phenylpropanolamine the same as phenylephrine?
Phenylpropanolamine and phenylephrine are different drugs belonging to the same class of medications (nasal decongestants). Both are used to relieve blocked nose or sinuses caused by common cold and seasonal nasal allergies (hay fever)

Q. Does Phenylpropanolamine cause stroke?
Phenylpropanolamine has shown to increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain). Women are at a higher risk.

Q. Is Phenylpropanolamine a controlled substance?
Phenylpropanolamine is a controlled substance since it can be used for manufacturing of illegal drugs

Q. Is Phenylpropanolamine still on the market?
Phenylpropanolamine is banned in India due to increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain) and is no longer marketed in India