Phentermine hydrochloride

Brand names: Ionamin, Adipex-P

Why is Phentermine hydrochloride prescribed?

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Adipex-P, an appetite suppressant, is prescribed for short-term use (a few weeks) as part of an overall weight reduction program that also includes dieting, exercise, and counseling. The drug 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.

Most important fact about Phentermine hydrochloride

Be sure to use Phentermine hydrochloride 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 the drug.

How should you take Phentermine hydrochloride?

Take Adipex-P before breakfast or up to 2 hours after breakfast. Tablets can be broken in half, if necessary.

Take Ionamin before breakfast or 10 to 14 hours before you go to bed. Ionamin capsules should be swallowed whole.

If you miss a dose...
Skip the missed dose completely; then take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time.

Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Phentermine hydrochloride.

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, unpleasant taste

Why should Phentermine hydrochloride not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to phentermine hydrochloride or other drugs that stimulate the nervous system, you should not take Phentermine hydrochloride. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.

Do not take Phentermine hydrochloride if you have hardening of the arteries, symptoms of heart or blood vessel disease, an overactive thyroid gland, the eye condition known as glaucoma, or high blood pressure. Also avoid Phentermine hydrochloride if you are agitated, have ever abused drugs, or have taken an MAO inhibitor, including antidepressant drugs such as phenelzine sulfate and tranylcypromine sulfate, within the last 14 days.

Special warnings about Phentermine hydrochloride

This drug 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.

This drug 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 Phentermine hydrochloride. Consult your doctor if you rely on Phentermine hydrochloride to maintain a state of well-being.

If you stop taking Phentermine hydrochloride 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 hydrochloride.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Phentermine hydrochloride

Remember that Phentermine hydrochloride should never be combined with the weight-loss drug fenfluramine; very dangerous side effects could result. This drug may also react badly with alcohol. Avoid alcoholic beverages while you are taking it.

If Adipex-P is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either can be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important that you check with your doctor before combining Phentermine hydrochloride with the following:

Drugs that boost serotonin levels, such as the antidepressants fluoxetine hydrochloride, paroxetine hydrochloride, and sertraline
Drugs classified as MAO inhibitors, including the antidepressants phenelzine sulfate and tranylcypromine sulfate
Diabetes medications such as insulin and glyburide
High blood pressure medications such as guanethidine

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Phentermine hydrochloride during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, notify your doctor immediately.

Recommended dosage for Phentermine hydrochloride

ADULTS

Adipex-P

The usual dose is 1 capsule or tablet a day, taken before breakfast or up to 2 hours after breakfast. Some people need only half a tablet each day. Others may find it more effective to take half a tablet twice daily.

Ionamin

The usual dose is 1 capsule a day, taken before breakfast or 10 to 14 hours before bedtime.

CHILDREN

This drug is not recommended for use in children under 16 years of age.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. An overdose of Phentermine hydrochloride can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.

Symptoms of Adipex-P overdose may include:
Abdominal cramps, aggressiveness, confusion, diarrhea, exaggerated reflexes, hallucinations, high or low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, nausea, panic states, rapid breathing, restlessness, tremors, vomiting

Fatigue and depression may follow the stimulant effects of Phentermine hydrochloride.

In cases of fatal poisoning, convulsions and coma usually precede death.