Uses
Phentermine (FEN-ter-meen) is used in combination with diet
and exercise to help you lose weight.
How to take
Take Phentermine about 30 minutes to 1 hour before a meal.
If you are taking Phentermine once a day, take your dose in
the morning. Because this medication may cause sleeplessness,
avoid taking a dose late in the day. Take your last dose of
Phentermine at least four to six hours before bedtime. 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.
Side effects<
Blurred vision, dizziness, dry mouth, sleeplessness, irritability,
stomach upset or constipation may occur the first few days
as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist
or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor
if you experience: chest pain, nervousness, pounding heart,
difficulty urinating, mood changes, breathing difficulties,
swelling. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact
your doctor or pharmacist.
Overdose symptoms may include confusion, diarrhea, nausea,
rapid breathing, restlessness, stomach cramps, tremor, vomiting.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control
center or emergency room immediately.
Precaution
Tell your doctor your complete medical history, especially
if you have: high blood pressure, an over-active thyroid,
glaucoma, diabetes, emotional problems. This medication can
be habit forming and must be used with caution. Alcohol can
increase unwanted side effects of dizziness. Limit alcohol
use. This medication should be used only when clearly needed
during pregnancy. Discuss the risk and benefits with your
doctor. This drug may be excreted into breast milk. You may
have to stop nursing or stop using this drug. Consult your
doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug interactions
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use, (prescription
and nonprescription) especially if you take: Dexfenfluramine,
fenfluramine, furazolidone, or MAOIs (eg, phenelzine) because
the risk of serious side effects, such as increasing headache,
high blood pressure, slow heart rate, elevated temperature,
or possibly fatal lung problems, may be increased; Serotonin
specific reuptake inhibitors (eg, fluoxetine) because the
risk of their side effects may be increased by Phentermine;
Guanadrel or guanethidine because their effectiveness may
be decreased by Phentermine. Avoid "stimulant" drugs
that may increase your heart rate such as decongestants or
caffeine. Decongestants are commonly found in over-the-counter
cough-and-cold medicines. Do not start or stop any medicine
without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose of Phentermine, take it as soon as possible.
If it is after 12 PM and you are taking Phentermine 1 time
a day, or after 4 PM and you are taking it more than 1 time
a day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing
schedule. Do not take 2 doses.
Storage
Store Phentermine at room temperature, between 59 and 77
degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C), in a tightly closed container.
Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in
the bathroom. Keep Phentermine out of the reach of children
and away from pets. |
