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Description
Phentermine is used, in combination with diet and exercise, to help you lose weight. It works by decreasing your appetite.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doc
tor or pharmacist for more information.
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How should you take this medication?
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 prescr
iption 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.
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Other medical problems
Children¡XStudies on these medicines have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of Phentermine in children with use in other age groups. The use of these
medicines by children younger than 16 years of age is not recommended.
- Older adults¡XMany medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whet
r 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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Other Medicines
Other medicines¡XAlthough certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your do
or may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking appetite suppressants, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking a
ny of the following:
- Amantadine (e.g., Symmetrel) or
- Amphetamines or
- Caffeine (e.g., NoDoz) or
- Chlophedianol (e.g., Ulone) or
- Cocaine or
- Medicine for ast
hma or other breathing problems or
- Medicine for colds, sinus problems, or hay fever or other allergies (including nose drops or sprays) or
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Cautions
Before having any kind of surgery, dental treatment, or emergency treatment, tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that you are using this medicine. Taking appetite suppressants together with m
edicines that are used during surgery or dental or emergency treatments may cause serious side effects.
Check with your doctor immediately if you notice a decrease in your ability to exercise
, if you faint, or if you have chest pain, swelling of your feet or lower legs, or trouble in breathing. These may be symptoms of very serious heart or lung problems.
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Before Using This Medicine
Before taking Phentermine,
- 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.
- yo
u 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 thi
s 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.
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