| Phentermine
Brand
Name: Phentermine
Most
Common Medical Uses
Phentermine
is most commonly used as a short-term supplement to diet and exercise
in the treatment of weight loss. It may also be used to treat other
conditions.
How
to Take This Medication
Take
as directed by your doctor. Phentermine is usually taken once or
twice daily, with a full glass of water, before meals. Do not crush,
chew or open tablets. Swallow them whole. Do not take this medication
longer than directed by your doctor.
Possible
Side Effects
Possible
side effects of taking Phentermine include restlessness or tremor,
nervousness or anxiety, headache or dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth
or an unpleasant taste in your mouth, diarrhea or constipation,
or impotence or changes in your sex drive. Contact your doctor immediately
if you experience any of the following more serious side effects:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); an irregular
heartbeat or very high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about
any side effect that seems unusual or concerns you.
Precautions
Do
not take Phentermine if you have heart disease or high blood pressure;
arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), glaucoma, or a history
of drug or alcohol abuse. Talk to your doctor about your complete
medical history. Phentermine is habit forming. You can become physically
and psychologically dependent on this medication, and withdrawal
effects may occur if you stop taking it suddenly after several weeks
of continuous use. Talk to your doctor about stopping this medication
gradually. Consult with your doctor if you think you may be pregnant
or are breast feeding.
Drug
Interactions
You
cannot take Phentermine if you have taken a MAOI inhibitor such
as furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine recently.
Phentermine may reduce the effectiveness of guanethidine which could
lead to an increase in blood pressure. Changes in insulin and other
diabetes drug therapies may be necessary during treatment with Phentermine.
Talk to your doctor and/or pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
Missed
Dose
If
you miss a dose of this medicine, take the dose as soon as you remember.
However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose,
skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled
dose. Do not take a double dose.
Storage
Store
this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container,
away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep this and all medications
out of the reach of children.
Notes
For
maximum effects, this must be used in conjunction with a diet and
exercise program. Do not share Phentermine with others for whom
it was not prescribed, since they may have a problem that is not
effectively treated by this drug.
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