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Drugs & Medications
Phentermine What is phentermine? Phentermine is a stimulant that is similar to an amphetamine. Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that affects the central nervous system. Phentermine is used together with diet and exercise to treat obesity (overweight) in people with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. Phentermine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide. Important information about phentermine Do not use phentermine if you haveused an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects. Taking phentermine together with other diet medications such as fenfluramine (Phen-Fen) or dexfenfluramine (Redux) can cause a rare fatal lung disorder called pulmonary hypertension. Do not take phentermine with any other diet medications without your doctor's advice. Phentermine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of this medicine. Phentermine is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Phentermine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for.Never share phentermine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Phentermine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription. Do not stop using phentermine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using this medicine. Before taking phentermine Do not use phentermine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects. Taking phentermine together with other diet medications such as fenfluramine (Phen-Fen) or dexfenfluramine (Redux) can cause a rare fatal lung disorder called pulmonary hypertension. Do not take tbis medicine with any other diet medications without your doctor's advice. You should not take phentermine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
Phentermine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. How should I take phentermine? Take phentermine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. It is best to take phentermine on an empty stomach before breakfast or within 2 hours after breakfast. To prevent sleep problems, take this medication early in the day, no later than 6:00 pm. Talk with your doctor if you have increased hunger or if you otherwise think the medication is not working properly. Taking more of this medication will not make it more effective and can cause serious, life-threatening side effects. Phentermine should be taken only for a short time, such as a few weeks. Do not stop taking phentermine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using phentermine. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Phentermine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription. What happens if I miss a dose? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of phentermine can be fatal. Overdose symptoms may include confusion, hallucinations, panic, feeling hostile or aggressive, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, irregular heartbeat, rapid breathing, overactive reflexes, confusion, hallucinations, seizure (convulsions), feeling light-headed, or fainting. What should I avoid while taking phentermine? Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of this medicine. Phentermine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Phentermine side effects Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to phentermine: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
Phentermine Dosing Information Usual Adult Phentermine Dose for Weight Loss: Initial dose: 8 mg orally 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals. Alternatively, phentermine hydrochloride and phentermine resin may be given as a single dose of 15-37.5 mg orally once a day before breakfast or 10-14 hours before retiring. Usual Pediatric Phentermine Dose for Weight Loss: Child > 12 years: Initial dose: 8 mg orally 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals. Alternatively, phentermine hydrochloride and phentermine resin may be given as a single dose of 15-37.5 mg orally once a day before breakfast or 10-14 hours before retiring. What other drugs will affect phentermine? Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
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