The present invention is directed to methods of preparing ( R )-8-chloro-1-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine hydrochloride hemihydrate comprising at least partially dissolving ( R )-8-chloro-1-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine hydrochloride in a crystallizing solvent containing water, and inducing precipitation of the hemihydrate from the crystallizing solvent.