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Phentermine |
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What is Phentermine and why is it prescribed? Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that is prescribed for short-term use as part of an overall weight reduction program that also includes dieting, exercise, and counseling. Phentermine is for use only by excessively overweight individuals who have a condition, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, that could lead to serious medical problems. Be sure to use Phentermine only as directed. It will lose its effect after a few weeks, and should be discontinued when this happens. If you try to boost its effectiveness by increasing the dose, you will run the risk of serious side effects and dependence on Phentermine. How should you take Phentermine? Follow your doctors directions for taking Phentermine. Take Phentermine before breakfast or up to two hours after breakfast. Tablets can be broken in half, if necessary. If you miss a dose skip the missed dose completely, then take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time. Store Phentermine at room temperature. Are there any Phentermine side effects? Phentermine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Phentermine side effects may include changes in sex drive, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, exaggerated feelings of depression or elation, headache, high blood pressure, hives, impotence, inability to fall or stay asleep, increased heart rate, overstimulation, restlessness, stomach or intestinal problems, throbbing heartbeat, tremors, and unpleasant taste. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Phentermine? If Phentermine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Remember that Phentermine should never be combined with the weight-loss drug fenfluramine (Pondimin) or very dangerous side effects could result. Phentermine may also react badly with alcohol. Avoid alcoholic beverages while you are taking it. It is especially important that you check with your doctor before combining Phentermine with Drugs that boost serotonin levels (such as the antidepressants Luvox, Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft), Drugs classified as MAO inhibitors (including the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate), Diabetes medications (such as insulin and Micronase), or High blood pressure medications such as guanethidine (Ismelin). Are there any special warnings about Phentermine? Phentermine can cause a rare but potentially fatal condition called primary pulmonary hypertension. Call your doctor immediately if you develop such warning signs as chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting spells, or swollen ankles. Phentermine may affect your ability to perform potentially hazardous activities. Therefore, you should be extremely careful if you have to drive a car or operate machinery. You can become psychologically dependent on this drug. Consult your doctor if you rely on this drug to maintain a state of well-being. If you stop taking this drug suddenly after you have taken high doses for a long time, you may find you are extremely fatigued or depressed, or that you have trouble sleeping. If you continually take too much of any appetite suppressant it can cause severe skin disorders, a pronounced inability to fall or stay asleep, irritability, hyperactivity, and personality changes. Even if your blood pressure is only mildly high, be careful taking Phentermine. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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