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Before Using This Medicine
ChildrenˇXStudies on these medicines have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of Adipex in children with use in other age groups. The use of these medi
ines by children younger than 16 years of age is not recommended.
Older adultsˇXMany medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they
work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of appetite suppressants in the
elderly with use in other age groups.
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Symptoms of overdose
Abdominal or stomach cramps; coma; confusion; convulsions (seizures); diarrhea (severe); dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; fast breathing; feeling of panic; fever; hallucinations (seei
ng, hearing or feeling things that are not there); high or low blood pressure; hostility with urge to attack; irregular heartbeat; nausea or vomiting (severe); overactive reflexes; restlessness;
trembling or shaking; tiredness, weakness, and mental depression following effects of excitement
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Side Effects of This Medicine
Appetite suppressants may cause some serious side effects, including heart and lung problems. You and your doctor should discuss the good this medicine may do as well as the risks of taking it.
<
br> Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with y
our doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Chest pain; decreased ability to exercise ; fainting; swelling of feet or lower legs; trouble in breathing
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Precautions while Using this Medicine
If you have been taking this medicine for a long time or in large doses and you think you may have become mentally or physically dependent on it, check with your doctor.
- Some signs of depe
ndence on appetite suppressants are:
- a strong desire or need to continue taking the medicine.
- a need to increase the dose to receive the effects of the medicine.
- withdrawal side e
ffects (for example, mental depression, nausea or vomiting, stomach cramps or pain, trembling, unusual tiredness or weakness) when you stop taking the medicine
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What is this Drug
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 u
se 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.
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Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
Remember that this drug should never be combined with the weight-loss drug fenfluramine (Pondimin); very dangerous side effects could result. This drug may also react badly with alcohol. Avoid alcohol
ic beverages while you are taking it.
It is especially important that you check with your doctor before combining this drug with the following:
- Drugs that boost serotonin levels,
such as the antidepressants Luvox, Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft
- Drugs classified as MAO inhibitors, including the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate
- Diabetes medications such as insulin and
Micronase
- High blood pressure medications such as guanethidine (Ismelin)
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