Oral Phentermine
Hydrochloide (HCL) is sold for weight loss. It is in the family of
appetite suppressants. When used in conjunction with diet, exercise,
and behavior therapy, PHENTERMINE may help you to lose weight while
you are learning new ways to eat and to exercise.
How does PHENTERMINE work?
PHENTERMINE works by stimulating the hypothalamus gland and
affecting certain neurotransmitters to decrease appetite. The
hypothalamus is the region of the brain that controls the autonomic
nervous system, regulating sleep cycles, body temperature, appetite,
etc.
What is the proper use of
PHENTERMINE?
PHENTERMINE should be taken on an empty stomach, once daily, prior
to breakfast. If in tablet form, the tablet may be broken or cut in
half. Do NOT break, crush, or chew tablets.
As PHENTERMINE may disrupt normal sleep patterns, avoid taking a
dose late in the day. If taking more than one dose a day, take the
last dose approx. 4-6 hours prior to going to bed.
What are the maximum dosage
recommendations of PHENTERMINE?
Take PHENTERMINE ONLY as directed by your doctor.
Do NOT take more of it.
Do NOT take it more often, and
Do NOT take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.
If too much PHENTERMINE is taken, it may cause unwanted effects or
become habit-forming.
Please speak with your doctor if you think that PHENTERMINE is not
working properly after you have taken it for a few weeks. Do NOT
increase the dose.
What drug interactions are there with
PHENTERMINE?
PHENTERMINE should not be taken by patients with glaucoma,
hyperthyroidism, or a history of drug abuse or psychotic illnesses.
PHENTERMINE is not recommended for patients with symptomatic heart
disease including rhythm problems, hypertension, etc. Patients on
PHENTERMINE should have their blood pressure closely followed.
Insulin requirements may change in patients on PHENTERMINE. Abrupt
stoppage of the drug can cause withdrawal with fatigue and
depression. PHENTERMINE is potentially addicting.
What are possible side effects of
PHENTERMINE?
Side effects include diarrhea, dry mouth, constipation, an
unpleasant taste, hives, impotence, palpitations, high blood
pressure, and fast heart rates. Central nervous system side effects
include overstimulation, insomnia, restlessness, tremor, and
dizziness.
What is the clinical use of
PHENTERMINE?
Generally, it is recommended by the FDA that PHENTERMINE should be
used short-term (usually interpreted as 'up to 12 weeks'), while
following nonpharmacological approaches to weight loss such as
healthy dieting and exercise. However, recommendations limiting its
use for short-term treatment may be controversial. One reason given
behind limiting its use to 12 weeks is drug tolerance, whereby
PHENTERMINE loses its appetite-suppressing effects after the body
adjusts to the drug. On the contrary, it has been shown that
PHENTERMINE did not lose effectiveness in a 36-week trial (PMID
11054601). However, the risk of drug addiction may be a significant
reason in limiting PHENTERMINE for short-term use.
