PHENTERMINE FAQ

Phentermine, an appetite suppressant, is prescribed for short-term use (a few weeks) as part of an overall diet plan for weight reduction. Phentermine should be used along with a behavior modification program.

Most important fact about this drug

Always remember that Phentermine is an aid to, not a substitute for, good diet and exercise. Take Phentermine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take it more often or for a longer time than your doctor has ordered. Phentermine can lose its effectiveness after a few weeks.

How should you take this medication?

Take Phentermine about 2 hours after breakfast. Do not take it late in the evening because it may keep you from sleeping.

Take Ionamin before breakfast or 10 to 14 hours before you go to bed. Ionamin capsules should be swallowed whole.

If you miss a dose...

Skip the missed dose completely; then take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time.

Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this medication.

Side effects may include:

Changes in sex drive, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, exaggerated feelings of depression or elation, headache, high blood pressure, hives, impotence, inability to fall or stay asleep, increased heart rate, overstimulation, restlessness, stomach or intestinal problems, throbbing heartbeat, tremors, unpleasant taste

Why should this drug not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to phentermine hydrochloride or other drugs that stimulate the nervous system, you should not take this medication. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.

Do not take this drug if you have hardening of the arteries, symptoms of heart or blood vessel disease, an overactive thyroid gland, the eye condition known as glaucoma, or moderate to severe high blood pressure. Also avoid this drug if you are agitated, have ever abused drugs, or have taken an MAO inhibitor, including antidepressant drugs such as Nardil and Parnate, within the last 14 days.

Special warnings about this medication

Phentermine may affect your ability to perform potentially hazardous activities. Therefore, you should be extremely careful if you have to drive a car or operate machinery.

You can become psychologically dependent on this drug. Consult your doctor if you rely on this drug to maintain a state of well-being.

If you stop taking Phentermine suddenly after you have taken high doses for a long time, you may find you are extremely fatigued or depressed, or that you have trouble sleeping.

If you continually take too much of any appetite suppressant it can cause severe skin disorders, a pronounced inability to fall or stay asleep, irritability, hyperactivity, and personality changes.

Even if your blood pressure is only mildly high, be careful taking this drug.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

This drug may react badly with alcohol. Avoid alcoholic beverages while you are taking it.

If Phentermine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either can be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important that you check with your doctor before combining Phentermine with the following:

Antidepressants classified as MAO inhibitors, including Nardil and Parnate Diabetes medications such as insulin and Micronase
High blood pressure medications such as guanethidine (Ismelin)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Phentermine during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, notify your doctor immediately.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS:

Phentermine or Oby-Cap

The usual dosage is 1 capsule approximately 2 hours after breakfast. One capsule should suppress your appetite for 12 to 14 hours.

Ionamin

The usual dose is 1 capsule a day, taken before breakfast or 10 to 14 hours before bedtime.

CHILDREN:

This drug is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age.
Is Phentermine the drug that caused heart valve problems?

No. Phentermine was not determined to be a source of the problem. Phentermine was the "Phen" in the much publicized Fen-Phen diet drug that was believed to cause heart valve problems in some patients in 1997. In response to this concern Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories stopped manufacturing the "Fen" (fenfluramine hydrochloride). Studies have proven that Phentermine, taken alone, does not cause heart valve problems.

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