Phentermine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Phentermine?

What is phentermine for?

Phentermine is a drug that is used in conjunction with a low-calorie diet, exercise, and doctor-approved habit change program to help you lose weight. This drug is used in people who are overweight (obese) and have not been able to lose weight sufficiently with diet and exercise alone. Losing weight and keeping it off can reduce many of the health risks that come with obesity, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a shorter life span.

It is not known how this drug helps people to lose weight. This medication may work by reducing your appetite, increasing the amount of energy used by your body, or by affecting certain parts of the brain. This drug is an appetite suppressant and belongs to a class of drugs called sympathomimetic amines.

How is phentermine used?

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily, 1 hour before breakfast or 1 to 2 hours after breakfast. If needed, your doctor may adjust your dose by taking small doses up to 3 times a day. Be careful in following doctor's instructions. Taking this medication at the end of the day may cause trouble sleeping (insomnia).

If you are using estended release capsules, the dosage is usually taken once a day before breakfast or at least 10 to 14 hours before bedtime. Swallow the whole drug. Do not crush or chew the capsules. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.

If you are using a tablet that is made dissolved in the mouth, the dose is usually taken once a day in the morning, with or without food. First, dry your hands before handling the tablet. Place the dose on the tongue until it dissolves, then swallow it with or without water.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Your doctor will adjust the dosage to find the best dosage for you. Use this medication regularly and exactly as prescribed in order to get the most benefit from it. You need to remember to take the medicine at the same time every day.

This medication is usually taken for only a few weeks at a time. Should not be taken with other appetite suppressants (see also Drug Interactions section). The likelihood of serious side effects increases with prolonged use of this medicine and the use of this drug in conjunction with certain other diet medications.

This medicine may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as depression, severe fatigue) may occur if you suddenly stop using this drug. To prevent this reaction, your doctor may reduce the dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.

This drug is rarely addictive. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Stop using the drug according to the doctor's instructions.

This medication may stop working well after you have been on it for a while. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well. Do not increase your dose unless directed by your doctor. Your doctor may direct you to stop taking this drug.

How is phentermine stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Phentermine dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of phentermine for adults?

Normal Dosage for Adults to Lose Weight

15-37.5 mg taken by mouth once daily before breakfast or 1 to 2 hours after breakfast.

What is the dose of phentermine for children?

Normal Dosage for Adolescents for weight loss

17 years or older:

15-37.5 mg taken by mouth once a day before breakfast or 1 to 2 hours after breakfast.

In what dosage is phentermine available?

Tablets and capsules, drink immediately, as hydrochloride: 37.5 mg; 15 mg; 30 mg.

Phentermine side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to phentermine?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives; hard to breath; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have serious side effects such as:

• feeling short of breath, even with light exertion
• chest pain, feeling like you might pass out
• swelling in the ankles or feet
• heart beat fast
• confusion or irritability, unusual thoughts or behavior
• feelings of extreme happiness or sadness
• high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, anxiety, chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, seizures)

Less serious side effects may include:

• feeling restless or hyperactive
• headache, dizziness, tremor
• sleep problems (insomnia)
• dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
• diarrhea or constipation, stomach pain
• increased or decreased interest in sex, impotence

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about side effects, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Phentermine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using phentermine?

Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this drug, pay attention to the following:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.

Children

The use of phentermine is not recommended in children 16 years of age and younger. Safety and efficacy are yet to be determined.

Elderly

There have been no precise studies to date on specific geriatric issues that will limit the usefulness of phentermine in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to be more susceptible to age-related liver, kidney, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving phentermine.

Is phentermine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category X according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Phentermine Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with phentermine?

Taking this drug with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may not prescribe this medicine to you or will replace some of the drugs you are already taking.

• Brofaromine
• Clorgyline
• Furazolidone
• Iproniazid
• Isocarboxazid
• Lazabemide
• Linezolid
• Moclobemid
• Nialamide
• Pargyline
• Phenelzine
• Procarbazine
• Rasagiline
• Selegilin
• Sibutramine
• Toloxatone
• Tranylcypromine

Using this medication with any of the following medicines is not usually recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both drugs.

Can food or alcohol interact with phentermine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider

What health conditions can interact with phentermine?

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this drug. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• unstable condition (very nervous or anxious)
• arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm), or history
• arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), serious
• history of congestive heart failure
• a history of drug abuse or dependence
• glaucoma
• history of heart or blood vessel disease (eg coronary artery disease)
• history of uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure)
• hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• history of stroke, should not be used in patients with this condition
• allergy to tartrazine-suprenza ™ containing tartrazine - patients with this condition may have an allergic reaction
• heart valve disease
• hypertension (high blood pressure)
• pulmonary hypertension (increased pressure in the lungs) - use with caution. It might make things worse
• kidney disease - use with caution. Side effects may increase due to slower removal of the drug from the body.

Phentermine overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.