Precautions

Phentermine may bring satisfying effects as far as treating obesity is concerned. Yet, if used not properly, it may lead to serious consequences. Therefore, it is necessary to use it with caution. Remember- Phentermine is chemically similar to amphetamines and there’s always a danger of getting addicted.

Adults Age 60 and Over- We don’t know all the details concerning the differences in the use of appetite suppressants between the elderly and other age groups. Generally, adverse reactions are more likely to occur in older patients, particularly those who take drugs that influence the central nervous system.

Alcohol- Alcohol may increase unwanted side effects of dizziness. Therefore, during the therapy with phentermine, it is advised to limit the use of alcohol.

Breast Feeding- As it may pass into breast milk and cause unwanted effects in nursing babies, use of phentermine ( as well as other appetite suppressants) is NOT recommended while breast-feeding.

Diabetes- Phentermine may affect blood sugar level. If you are diabetic and notice any changes in the results of your urine or blood sugar test, you should consult your doctor. Whenever you have any questions or concerns or you are doubtful about your therapy you can always ask your doctor for advice.

Driving and Hazardous Work- Phentermine affects people in various ways. It depends on individual’s condition, how he or she reacts to the drug. Sometimes, phentermine (as well as other appetite suppressants may cause people to feel a false sense of well-being or to become dizzy, lightheaded, asleep, or less aware than normal. Therefore, you should NOT drive or engage in hazardous work until you know how you react to the drug.

Hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid)- The condition may be worsened by Phentermine (or other appetite suppressants).

Infants and Children- Due to the fact that studies on appetite suppressants have been done only in adults patients, there is no specific information comparing use of Sympathomimetic appetite suppressants in children with use in other age groups. Therefore, children under age 16 should NOT be treated with Phentermine and other appetite suppressants.

Kidney Disease- The chance of serious side effects may increase due to higher blood levels of Phentermine.

Pregnancy- It has been shown that phentermine doesn’t cause birth defects in humans. Yet, if you are going to use the medication, you should inform your doctor about pregnancy. You should also tell your doctor, if you are attempting to become pregnant.

Surgery, Dental Treatment, or Emergency Treatment- If you combine taking phentermine with medicine that are used during surgery or dental emergency treatments, you may experience serious side effects. Therefore, you must inform your doctor, or dentist that you are using phentermine- before surgery or treatment!

Other medicines

Certain medicines should never be used together. Yet, in other cases, it is safe to use two different medicines even if they interact with each other. Depending on individual, a doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary.

During the therapy with phentermine (or other appetite suppressants), you have to remember to inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

  • Amantadine, i.e.- Symmetrel
  • Amphetamines
  • Caffeine, i.e.- NoDoz
  • Chlophedianol, i.e. - Ulone
  • Cocaine
  • Medicine for asthma or other breathing problems
  • Medicine for colds, sinus problems, or hay fever or other allergies (including nose drops or sprays)
  • Methylphenidate, i.e. - Ritalin
  • Nabilone, i.e. - Cesamet

Other diet pills or Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as:

  • citalopram, i.e. - Celexa
  • fluvoxamine, i.e. - Luvox
  • sertraline, i.e. - Zoloft
  • fluoxetine, i.e. - Prozac
  • paroxetine, i.e. - Paxil

Pemoline, i.e. - Cyler- These medicines, in combination with Sympathomimetic appetite suppressants, may increase the central nervous system (CNS) stimulant effects, such as irritability, nervousness, trembling or shaking, or trouble in speaking.

Monoamin Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors- Patients taking Phentermine (or any other appetite suppressants) in combination with or less than 14 days after taking a monoamine oxidize (MAO) inhibitor may experience a sudden, extremely high blood pressure.

Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors include:

  • furazolidone, i.e.- Furoxone
  • phenelzine, i.e.- Nardil
  • selegiline, i.e.- Eldepryl
  • isocarboxazid, i.e- Marplan
  • procarbazine, i.e- Matulane
  • tranylcypromine, i.e- Parnate

Tricyclic antidepressants- Patients using these medicines with Sympathomimetic appetite suppressants may experience high blood pressure or irregular heartbeat.

Tricyclic antidepressants include:

  • amitriptyline, i.e. - Elavil
  • clomipramine, i.e - Anafranil
  • amoxapine, i.e. - Asendin
  • doxepin, i.e. - Sinequan
  • notriptyline, i.e. - Aventyl
  • trimipramine, i.e. - Surmontil
  • amoxapine, i.e. - Asendin
  • desipramine, i.e. - Pertofrane
  • imipramine, i.e. - Tofranil
  • protriptyline, i.e. - Vivactil

Side Effects

A drug therapy usually brings both- wanted , as well as adverse effects. Phentermine may also cause side effects. Some of them may by symptoms of serious heart or lung problems.

If you notice or experience any of the conditions below, consult your doctor immediately:

  • Chest pain
  • Decreased ability to exercise
  • Fainting
  • Swelling of feet or lower legs
  • Trouble in breathing

Other adverse effects are not dangerous to your health. They may be uncomfortable, yet remember that they are only temporary. Be patient. Your body will finally adjust to the medicine.

Inform your doctor if any of the following unwanted effects continue to exist or are annoying:

  • Depression
  • Drowsiness
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Irritability
  • Nervousness
  • Sense of well-being
  • Tiredness

Less common to Rare Symptoms

  • Blurred vision
  • Change in sexual desire
  • Clumsiness
  • Confusion
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Psychosis
  • Skin rach or itching
  • Stomach pain
  • Tiredness
  • Unpleasant taste

It depends on the individuals how they react to the medicine. Some may experience several of the side effects mentioned. Some may not feel any of them. In some patients, unwanted effects may last longer, in other- shorter. It may also happen that other adverse effects not listed above may occur is some patients. If you notice any other side effects, please inform your doctor.

Possible Overdose Symptoms:

Confusion Convulsions (seizures)

Dizziness Fast Breathing

Fever Hallucinations

Hostility with urge to attack Irregular blood pressure

Irregular heartbeat Lightheadedness or Fainting

Mental Depression, following

a period of excitement Tremors, Trembling, or Shaking

Overactive Reflexes Panic

Restlessness Severe nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

Stomach cramps Tiredness or Weakness

Physical or Mental Dependence on Phentermine

Generally, Phentermine is a short-term medication, so there is little possibility of getting addicted to it. However, if you have been taking the drug for a long time or in large doses and you think you may have become mentally or physically dependent on it, please speak to your doctor.

Some signs of dependence on Phentermine (or other appetite suppressants):

  • a strong desire or need to continue taking the medicine
  • a need to increase the dose to receive the effects of the medicine

Withdrawal side effects may include:

  • Changes in personality
  • Excessive, excited activity
  • Irritability (severe)
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Skin disease
  • Stomach Cramps or Pain
  • Trembling
  • Trouble in Sleeping or Nightmares (severe)

Ending Phentermine Treatment

When you finish the therapy with phentermine, your body will need some time to adjust to a new condition. How long does it take? Again, it depends on the individual, as well as on the length of the therapy. If you notice any adverse effects ( those noted above in Physical or Mental Dependence) during this time, please speak to your doctor as soon as it is possible.

Remember- when you stop taking drugs without consultation with a doctor, you may face serious consequences concerning your health. Whether it is the beginning of the therapy, its continuation, or ending, you should be in regular contact with your doctor.

Withdrawal effects may be unpleasant and your doctor will help you to prevent them.

Important Notes concerning Phentermine and Weight Loss

Phentermine should NOT be used as a substitute for proper diet or exercise.

Phentermine treatment can’t act by itself. For maximum effects, it must be used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and/or exercise.

It can’t be denied that fighting with obesity is a long-term challenge. Any modifications in your diet, activity level and behavior must be developed and continued. This is the only way to lose weight. And what’s the most important, you create a new lifestyle in order not to put on weight again. This is your aim!

As Phentermine is similar chemically to amphetamines, taking Phentermines may cause positive result in urine screening tests for amphetamines.

Do NOT share your Phentermine prescription with others.

For further information on Phentermine, consult your doctor, or pharmacist.