Phentermine is the ‘Generic' name. Pharmaceutical companies may market or sell this drug under this generic name or under their own name (Brand name or Trade name) for the product.
Trade names for phentermine are: Adipex-P, Fastin, Ionamin, Oby-trim.
What is the medication phentermine used to treat?
Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that is prescribed for short term (a few weeks) use as part of an overall weight loss program that also includes diet, exercise and behavior modification therapy. Phentermine is only for use by excessively overweight individuals who also have other risk factors; such as diabetes or high cholesterol, which could lead to serious medical conditions.
Phentermine works by stimulating the central nervous system which causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure and a decrease in appetite.
What should be known before using the medication phentermine for weight loss?
Some medicines and/or medical conditions may interact with Phentermine. phentermine should not be used, if the person is also taking any of the following medications: guanadrel, guanethidine, furazolidone, fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Phentermine will lose its effect after a few weeks, and phentermine should be discontinued when this happens. If a person tries to boost phentermine's effectiveness by increasing the dose, they will run the risk of serious side effects and possible dependency on phentermine.
It is unknown if phentermine is excreted in breast milk. Typically if a person is to begin breast feeding while on phentermine, they should check with their physician or pharmacist to discuss the risks to the baby.
What are the directions for taking phentermine for weight loss?
Follow the directions for using phentermine provided by the physician. Phentermine is usually taken about 30 minutes before a meal. If the person is taking phentermine 1 time a day, it should be taken in the morning. The usual dose of phentermine is one tablet or capsule taken before breakfast. If Phentermine is taken more than once per day then the last dose of the day should be taken at least 4 to 6 hours before bedtime. Phentermine should be stored at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container and keep it should be kept away from heat and light.
What precautions should be taken while using phentermine for weight loss?
Do not exceed the recommended dose or take phentermine for longer than prescribed without checking with the prescribing physician. Exceeding the recommended dose or taking phentermine for longer than prescribed may cause serious side effects, including dependency.
Before taking any new medication, either prescription or over-the-counter, a physician or pharmacist should be consulted. All physician and laboratory appointments should be kept while a person is taking phentermine as it usually increases the heart rate and blood pressure.
Phentermine may make a person drowsy. It is recommended that a person not drive a car or operate machinery until they know how phentermine affects them.
If the person has diabetes, they may need a larger dose of insulin while taking phentermine. If a woman becomes pregnant while taking phentermine, the prescribing physician should be contacted as soon as possible.
It is recommended that before a person has any medical or dental treatments, they inform the physician or dentist that they are taking phentermine.
A person can become psychologically dependent to phentermine. It is recommended that a person taking phentermine consult their physician if they rely on phentermine to maintain a state of well-being.
Phentermine causes an increase in blood pressure. For a person with an initial high blood pressure, phentermine increases their risk of heart disease. Therefore, a person with high blood pressure should use caution while taking phentermine.
Taking too much of any appetite suppressant, including phentermine, may cause severe skin disorders, an inability to fall or stay asleep, irritability, hyperactivity, and personality changes.
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