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What is this medicine
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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What special precautions should I follow?
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it may do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For Adipex, the following should be consid
ered:
Allergies¡XTell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, ephedrine, epinephrine, isoproterenol, metaproteren
l, methamphetamine, norepinephrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, terbutaline, or other appetite suppressants. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any
other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
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Overdosage
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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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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Cautions
This medicine may cause some people to feel a false sense of well-being or to become dizzy, lightheaded, drowsy, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine
before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert.
Before having any kind of surgery, dental treatment, or emergency treatment, te
ll the medical doctor or dentist in charge that you are using this medicine. Taking appetite suppressants together with medicines that are used during surgery or dental or emergency treatments may cau
se serious side effects.
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What side effects can this medication cause?
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.
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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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