Brand Name: Adipex-P, Oby-Cap, Suprenza, T-Diet, Zantryl
Generic Name: Phentermine

This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist

Common Uses
Phentermine is a stimulant similar to an amphetamine. It acts as an appetite suppressant by affecting the central nervous system.
Phentermine is used together with diet and exercise to treat obesity (overweight) in people with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

Important information
Do not use phentermine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby.
You should not take phentermine if you have a history of heart disease (coronary artery disease, heart rhythm problems, congestive heart failure, stroke), severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, glaucoma, a history of pulmonary hypertension, if you are in an agitated state, or if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
Do not use phentermine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

Before taking this medicine

Do not use phentermine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.
You should not take phentermine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

- a history of heart disease (coronary artery disease, heart rhythm problems, congestive heart failure, stroke);

- a history of pulmonary hypertension;

- severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;

- overactive thyroid;

- glaucoma;

- if you are pregnant or breast-feeding;

- if you are in an agitated state;

- if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse; or

- if you are allergic to other diet pills, amphetamines, stimulants, or cold medications.

Taking phentermine together with other diet medications such as fenfluramine (Phen-Fen) or dexfenfluramine (Redux) can cause a rare fatal lung disorder called pulmonary hypertension. Do not take this medicine with any other diet medications without your doctor's advice.
To make sure you phentermine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

- high blood pressure;

- diabetes;

- kidney disease;

- a thyroid disorder; or

- if you are allergic to aspirin or to yellow food dye (FD & C Yellow No. 5, or tartrazine).

Phentermine may be habit forming. Never share phentermine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.
FDA pregnancy category X. Weight loss during pregnancy can harm an unborn baby, even if you are overweight. Do not use phentermine if you are pregnant.

Phentermine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to phentermine: hives; wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

- feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;

- chest pain, feeling like you might pass out;

- swelling in your ankles or feet;

- pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;

- confusion or irritability, unusual thoughts or behavior;

- feelings of extreme happiness or sadness; or

- dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).

Common phentermine side effects may include:

- feeling restless or hyperactive;

- headache, dizziness, tremors;

- sleep problems (insomnia);

- dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth;

- diarrhea or constipation, upset stomach; or

- increased or decreased interest in sex, impotence.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

What other drugs will affect phentermine?

Taking this medicine with other stimulant drugs that make you restless or hyperactive can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking phentermine with diet pills, other stimulants, or medicine to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with phentermine, especially:

an antidepressant--citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with this medicine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention an overdose of phentermine can be fatal.

What should I avoid?

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects.
Phentermine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

More Information
The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Phentermine. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.