GENERIC NAME: phentermine

medication CLASS AND MECHANISM: Phentermine is in a class of medications called anorectics which decrease hunger by possibly changing brain levels of serotonin. Phentermine is a nervous system stimulator like the amphetamines, causing stimulation, elevation of blood pressure, and faster heart rates.

Obesity is usually defined as being 20% over ideal weight with resultant increase in certain diseases including high cholesterol levels, heart disease, high blood pressure, gallbladder disease, type II diabetes mellitus, hardening of the arteries, and degenerative arthritis. Weight loss decreases blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and improves diabetes control.

PRESCRIPTION: yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes

SIZES: Tablets: 15mg, 30mg, 37.5mg. In either tablet or extended release capsules.

STORAGE: Phentermine should be stored in a tight container at room temperature.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Phentermine is usually used as a short- term medication along with diet and behavior modification to treat obesity, an hunger suppressant. Recently, it has been combined with diet and fenfluramine (Pondimin) and used over longer terms in selected obesity patients (P & P diets) with some favorable long-term modest weight loss.

Although rare, this medication can sometimes be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

DOSING: Phentermine should be taken after breakfast; evening dosages should be avoided because of secondary insomnia. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully. It usually is taken as a single daily dosage in the morning or three times a day 30 minutes before meals. If taking extended-release capsules, do not chew or crush the tablet.

medication INTERACTIONS: Phentermine should not be taken by patients with glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, or a history of medication abuse or psychotic illnesses. Phentermine is not recommended in patients with high blood pressure that is not well controlled. Patients on phentermine should have their blood pressure closely followed. Insulin requirements may change in patients on phentermine; alcohol can cause a medication interaction. Abrupt
stoppage of the medication can cause withdrawal with fatigue and depression. Phentermine is potentially addicting. Phentermine is not recommended for patients with symptomatic heart disease including rhythm problems.
Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other medications. Especially fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), guanethidine, insulin, MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate)] even if you stopped taking them within the past 2 weeks, medications for weight loss and depression, paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft),and vitamins.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart disease, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland), diabetes, glaucoma, or a history of medication abuse.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking phentermine, call your doctor.
you should know that this medication may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.
if you have diabetes, you may need a larger dosage of insulin while taking phentermine. Call your doctor if you have questions or problems at all.

What should I do if I forget a dosage?
Take the missed dosage as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dosage, skip the missed dosage and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dosage to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from phentermine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

dry mouth
unpleasant taste
diarrhea
constipation
vomiting
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

increased blood pressure
heart palpitations
restlessness
dizziness
tremor
insomnia
shortness of breath
chest pain
dizziness
swelling of the legs and ankles
difficulty doing exercise that you have been able to do
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?Return to top
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. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdosage
In case of overdosage, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to phentermine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children and never share your medicines with others. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, medication interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.Please read the disclaimer located to your lower left of this website.

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