Drug
Uses
|
| Phentermine
is used as a short term treatment for obesity. It should be used
in combination with a proper diet, exercise and behavior
modification.
|
How
Drug Works
|
| Phentermine
stimulates a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. This
results in a reduced appetite.
|
How
Taken
|
| Take
this medicine as directed by your doctor or health care
provider. Tablets or capsules are taken orally with a full glass
of water about 30 minutes before a meal. Phentermine is
generally taken 1 to 3 times daily, depending on the dose.
Taking this medicine early in the day, will help to avoid
insomnia.
|
Possible
Side Effects
|
|
Side effects that may occur with this medicine include:
nausea/vomiting
fast or irregular heat beat
diarrhea
trouble sleeping
dizziness
headache
|
Warnings/Precautions
|
- Do NOT abruptly stop this medicine without first talking
to your doctor.
- There are some risks of dependence with this medicine,
if taken over a period of time.
- DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, or do anything else
that could be dangerous until you know how you react to
this medicine.
|
Drug
Interactions
|
- This drug should not be used with MAO inhibitors. Your
doctor or pharmacist can tell you which drugs are MAO
inhibitors.
- Doses of drugs used to lower blood sugar may need to be
adjusted. Talk to your doctor for more information.
- Taking phentermine with certain antidepressants (Prozac,
Paxil, Zoloft) can increase chances of an emergency
condition called "serotonin syndrome". For more
information on drug interactions with phentermine, talk to
your doctor or pharmacist.
|
Missed
Dose
|
| Take
your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your
next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular
schedule. Do not double doses.
|
Storage
|
| Keep
this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and
out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away
from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away
any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
|
Pregnancy/Nursing
|
| Talk
to your doctor about using this medicine during pregnancy or
nursing to discuss any possible risks to you or your baby. Do
not breast feed while taking this medicine.
|
