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Common uses
Phentermine works by suppressing your appetite. It decreases your carvings and need for food. Also you will notice the energy gain. You will eat less and at the same time won’t feel hungry and will be able to o more exercise. Most people feel a lot of energy in 15 minutes after taking Phentermine. That’s a good time for fitness.
Before using
Before taking phentermine,
• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to phentermine or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, 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.
• 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 drug 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 drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
• if you have diabetes, you may need a larger dose of insulin while taking phentermine. Call your doctor if you have questions or problems.
Directions
Phentermine comes in tablets and extended-release capsules. It usually is taken as a single daily dose in the morning or three times a day 30 minutes before meals. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take phentermine exactly as directed.
Most people take the drug for 3-6 weeks; the length of treatment depends on how you respond to the medication. Phentermine can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to.
To prevent side effects, phentermine should be taken with meals. If you are taking an extended-release (long-acting) product, do not chew or crush the tablet. There are some tablets that can be crushed and mixed with food.
Cautions
Do not take Phentermine together with other diet medications. It can cause serious side effects.
Before taking the medicine inform your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs or if you have: anxiety disorder; arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries); diabetes; heart disease or high blood pressure; glaucoma; if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse; an overactive thyroid; epilepsy or another seizure disorder.
You are generally not recommended to take this drug if you are pregnant. It is not clear whether Phentermine will be harmful to a fetus. It hasn’t also been proved that the medication passes into breast milk.
Possible side effects
Phentermine may cause side effects. 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
Drug interactions
You mustn't take Phentermine together with an MAO inhibitor (isocarboxazid (Marplan), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), rasagiline (Azilect), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil)) or if you have taken one of these drugs within the past 14 days.
Phentermine is similar to amphetamine and may share some of the interactions associated with amphetamines.
Additional information
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.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to phentermine.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
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