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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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Side Effects
Although side effects from Phentermine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- dry mouth
- unpleasant taste
- diar
rhea
- 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 y
ou have been able to do
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Drug Interactions
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of appetite suppressants. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Alcohol abuse (or history of
) or
- Drug abuse or dependence (or history of)¡XDependence on appetite suppressants may be more likely to develop
- Diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes)¡XThe amount of insulin or oral antidia
tic medicine that you need to take may change
- Epilepsy¡XDiethylpropion may increase the risk of having seizures
- Family history of mental illness¡XMental depression or other mental illnes
may be more likely to occur
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Proper Use of This Medicine
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.
To prevent side effects, Phentermine should be taken with meals. If you are taking an extended-rel
ease (long-acting) product, do not chew or crush the tablet. There are some tablets that can be crushed and mixed with food.
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Why is this drug prescribed?
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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What special precautions should I follow?
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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