Adipex-P 37.5mg Capsules

Phentermine is a sympathomimetic amine with pharmacologic activity similar to the amphetamines. It stimulates the release of norepinephrine from nerve terminals in the hypothalamus, leading to appetite suppression. It also causes the release of dopamine and, to a lesser extent, serotonin. The primary mechanism for appetite suppression is believed to be through its effects on the central nervous system, particularly the satiety center in the hypothalamus.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high blood pressure, including:
+ Severe headache
+ Dizziness or fainting
+ Changes in vision
Changes in behavior or mood
Shakiness
Rare but serious side effects, including:
+ Heart valve problems
+ Increased pressure in the lungs (which can be fatal)
+ If you experience any of the following, call your doctor right away:
- Dizziness or fainting
- Persistent tiredness or weakness
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in your arms or legs
- Decreased ability to exercise

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects, or if they bother you or persist, contact your doctor or seek medical help:

Dizziness or headache
Feeling nervous or excitable
Diarrhea or constipation
Dry mouth
Trouble sleeping
Bad taste in your mouth
Decreased interest in sex
Erectile dysfunction
Restlessness

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions and situations to ensure safe treatment:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, other drugs, foods, or substances, and the symptoms you experienced.
A history of heart disease, including heart failure or abnormal heartbeat, as well as high blood pressure or stroke.
Existing health conditions such as glaucoma, agitation, anxiety, or an overactive thyroid gland.
Kidney disease or dialysis treatment.
Recent use (within the last 14 days) of certain medications for depression or Parkinson's disease, including isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline, as this may lead to very high blood pressure.
Current use of medications such as fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, linezolid, methylene blue, paroxetine, or sertraline.
Use of any other weight loss medications, whether prescription, over-the-counter, or natural products.
Pregnancy or potential pregnancy, as this medication should not be taken during pregnancy.
* Breast-feeding, as you should not breast-feed while taking this medication.

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health problems with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine the safety of taking this medication with your other treatments and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without consulting your doctor first.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Before engaging in activities that require your full attention, such as driving, wait until you understand how this medication affects you.

Adhere to your doctor's prescribed duration for taking this medication. Do not exceed the recommended treatment period. If you have been taking this medication for an extended time or at high doses, you may develop tolerance, which means the medication may not be as effective, and you may require higher doses to achieve the same effect. If you notice the medication is not working as well as it previously did, contact your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.

If you have been taking this medication for several weeks, consult your doctor before stopping its use. Your doctor may recommend gradually tapering off the medication to minimize potential withdrawal effects. Be aware that this medication can be habit-forming, and long-term use should be avoided. If you have a history of substance or alcohol abuse, inform your doctor.

Before initiating treatment with this medication, your doctor may require you to undergo certain heart tests. If you have any questions or concerns, discuss them with your doctor. Monitor your blood pressure and heart rate as instructed by your doctor.

If you have diabetes and are taking medications to manage your blood sugar levels, consult your doctor. Weight loss can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in individuals taking diabetes medications. Be aware of the signs of low blood sugar, which include dizziness, headache, drowsiness, weakness, tremors, rapid heartbeat, confusion, hunger, and sweating. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Follow the diet and exercise plan recommended by your doctor. Additionally, consult your doctor before consuming alcohol. This medication is not intended for children under the age of 17; do not administer it to them.

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) (concurrent use or within 14 days of MAOI use due to risk of hypertensive crisis)
• Other anorectic agents (e.g., fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, sibutramine) due to risk of primary pulmonary hypertension and/or valvular heart disease
• Other sympathomimetic amines (e.g., pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, stimulants)

• Alcohol (may enhance CNS effects and increase risk of adverse cardiovascular effects)
• Antihypertensive agents (e.g., guanethidine, clonidine, methyldopa - phentermine may antagonize their effects, leading to increased blood pressure)
• Thyroid hormones (may increase CNS stimulation and cardiovascular effects)
• Serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans - theoretical risk of serotonin syndrome, though less pronounced than with other anorexiants)

• Insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents (phentermine may alter blood glucose levels, requiring dosage adjustment of antidiabetic agents)
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs - may potentiate the pressor effects of phentermine)
• Caffeine and other CNS stimulants (additive stimulant effects)

• Urinary alkalinizers (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, acetazolamide - may increase phentermine half-life and duration of action)
• Urinary acidifiers (e.g., ammonium chloride, ascorbic acid - may decrease phentermine half-life and duration of action)

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• Fainting (syncope)
• Swelling in ankles/legs (peripheral edema)
• Palpitations
• Dizziness
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Restlessness
• Tremor
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Unusual changes in mood or behavior

Contraindicated (Category X). Phentermine can cause fetal harm. Weight loss during pregnancy offers no benefit to the pregnant woman and may result in fetal harm. A minimum weight gain, and no weight loss, is currently recommended for all pregnant women, including those who are already overweight or obese.

Not recommended (L4 - Possibly Hazardous). Phentermine is excreted into breast milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfed infant (e.g., stimulation, cardiovascular effects), a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients under 16 years of age. Use is generally not recommended.

Use with caution in elderly patients (65 years and older) due to the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and concomitant disease or other drug therapy. Start with the lowest effective dose (e.g., 15 mg) and monitor closely for adverse effects, especially cardiovascular and CNS effects.

• Phentermine is indicated for short-term use (a few weeks) only, as its effectiveness tends to wane over time and the risks of long-term use (e.g., pulmonary hypertension) are significant.
• It is crucial to emphasize that phentermine is an adjunct to, not a substitute for, a comprehensive weight management program including diet, exercise, and behavior modification.
• Patients should be carefully screened for cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, and history of drug abuse before initiation.
• Monitor blood pressure and heart rate regularly. Discontinue if sustained increases occur.
• Educate patients on the signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension (e.g., dyspnea, chest pain, syncope) and valvular heart disease, and instruct them to seek immediate medical attention if these occur.
• Avoid evening dosing to prevent insomnia.
• Tolerance to the anorectic effect usually develops within a few weeks. When this occurs, the drug should be discontinued rather than increasing the dose.
• Withdrawal symptoms (e.g., fatigue, depression) may occur upon abrupt discontinuation, especially after prolonged high-dose use. Tapering may be considered.

• Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
• Bariatric surgery (for eligible patients)
• Lifestyle interventions alone (diet, exercise, behavior therapy)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.