What is phentermine?

Phentermine is a stimulant that is similar to an amphetamine. Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that affects the central nervous system.

Phentermine is used togther with diet and exercise to treat obesity (overweight) in people with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. Phentermine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Phentermine Uses?

Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that is to be used in combination with weight reduction diet plan.

How to take

This medication is best taken on an empty stomach one hour before meals. Sustained-release or long acting products must be swallowed whole. Crushing or chewing them will destroy the long action and may cause increased side effects. Because this medication may cause sleeplessness, avoid taking a dose late in the day. Take this medication as prescribed. Do not take it more often or longer than directed. It is usually taken for 8 to 12 weeks. Use in combination with other appetite suppressant medicine is generally not recommended. Consult your doctor before such use.

Phentermine Directions?

Because Phentermine may cause drowsiness, it is recommended that you take your dose early in the day. The best time is 30-60 minutes before breakfast, while your stomach is empty. Take the tablet in one piece, or, at most, it may be broken in two. Do not chew the tablet or crush it into a powder.

Drug Abuse and Dependence

Phentermine hydrochloride is related chemically and pharmacologically to the amphetamines. Amphetamines and related stimulant drugs have been extensively abused, and the possibility of abuse of Phentermine hydrochloride should be kept in mind when evaluating the desirability of including a drug as part of a weight reduction program. Abuse of amphetamines and related drugs may be associated with intense psychological dependence and severe social dysfunction. There are reports of patients who have increased the dosage to many times that recommended.  Abrupt cessation following prolonged high dosage administration results in extreme fatigue and mental depression; changes are also noted on the sleep EEG.  Manifestations of chronic intoxication with anorectic drugs include severe dermatoses, marked insomnia, irritability, hyperactivity and personality changes. The most severe manifestation of chronic intoxications is psychosis, often clinically indistinguishable from schizophrenia.

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.

The following information is specific only to the average doses of Phentermine. The recommended dose of Phentermine may be different for different patients. If your dose is different, do NOT change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medication. An overdose of phentermine can be fatal.

Symptoms of a phentermine overdose may include confusion, hallucinations, feeling restless or aggressive, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, irregular heartbeat, tremors, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, feeling light-headed, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).

What does my medication look like?

Phentermine is available with a prescription under the brand names Adipex and Fastin. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Adipex-P 37.5 mg white, oblong, scored tablets with blue speckles
• Adipex-P 37.5 mg light-blue-and-white capsules with two blue bands
• Fastin 30 mg blue-and-clear capsules with blue and white beads

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.