Phentermine 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 may also cause the release of dopamine and serotonin, contributing to its anorectic effects. The exact mechanism of action in weight reduction is not fully understood.

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 or dizziness
+ Passing out
+ Changes in eyesight
Changes in behavior or mood
Shakiness
Heart valve problems or increased pressure in the lungs, which can be life-threatening. If you experience any of the following, call your doctor right away:
+ Dizziness or passing out
+ 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
Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
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.
Presence of certain health conditions, such as glaucoma, agitation, anxiety, or an overactive thyroid gland.
Kidney disease or being on dialysis, as this may affect how your body processes the medication.
Recent use (within the last 14 days) of specific medications for depression or Parkinson's disease, including isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline, due to the risk of severely high blood pressure.
Current use of medications such as fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, linezolid, methylene blue, paroxetine, or sertraline, as these can interact with this drug.
Use of any other weight loss medications, whether prescription, over-the-counter, or natural products.
Pregnancy or the possibility of being pregnant, 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 if it is safe to take this medication with your other drugs and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

Until you are aware of how this medication affects you, avoid operating a vehicle or engaging in any activities that require your full attention.

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 period 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, consult your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed dose.

If you have been taking this medication for several weeks, consult your doctor before discontinuing its use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual 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 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 may increase your risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if you are taking diabetes medications. Immediately contact your doctor if you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as dizziness, headache, drowsiness, weakness, tremors, rapid heartbeat, confusion, hunger, or sweating.

Follow the diet and exercise plan recommended by your doctor.

Before consuming alcohol, discuss its potential effects with your doctor.

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 administration due to risk of hypertensive crisis.
• Other centrally acting anorectic agents: Increased risk of pulmonary hypertension and other serious adverse cardiovascular events.
• Serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, St. John's Wort): Risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Alcohol: May potentiate CNS effects and increase risk of adverse reactions.

• Antihypertensive agents (e.g., guanethidine, clonidine, methyldopa, diuretics, beta-blockers): Phentermine may antagonize the hypotensive effects.
• Insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents: May alter blood glucose levels; dose adjustment may be required.
• Thyroid hormones: May potentiate the effects of phentermine.

• Adrenergic neuron blocking drugs: Reduced hypotensive effect.
• Caffeine and other stimulants: Increased risk of CNS stimulation and cardiovascular effects.
• Urinary alkalinizers (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, acetazolamide): Decrease phentermine excretion, potentially increasing its effects and toxicity.
• Urinary acidifiers (e.g., ammonium chloride, ascorbic acid): Increase phentermine excretion, potentially decreasing its effects.

• None specifically categorized as minor with significant clinical impact.

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• Fainting (syncope)
• Swelling in legs/ankles (edema)
• Palpitations
• Dizziness
• Severe headache
• Blurred vision
• Nervousness
• Insomnia
• Agitation
• Tremor
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Unusual fatigue or weakness

Contraindicated in pregnancy (Pregnancy Category X). Weight loss during pregnancy offers no potential benefit to the pregnant woman and may result in fetal harm. Phentermine can cause fetal toxicity, including congenital anomalies.

Contraindicated during breastfeeding (Lactation Risk L5). Phentermine is excreted into breast milk and can cause serious adverse reactions in a breastfed infant, including irritability, poor feeding, and sleep disturbances.

Not recommended for children under 16 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established in this population. Use in adolescents (16-18 years) should be approached with extreme caution and only if benefits clearly outweigh risks, under strict medical supervision.

Use with caution in elderly patients (65 years and older). Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the adverse effects of phentermine, particularly cardiovascular and CNS effects. Consider starting with a lower dose and titrating slowly. Renal function should be monitored, as phentermine is primarily renally eliminated.

• Phentermine is intended for short-term use (typically 3-6 months) as an adjunct to diet and exercise, not as a standalone or long-term solution for obesity.
• Tolerance to the anorectic effect may develop within a few weeks. If this occurs, the drug should be discontinued, rather than increasing the dose.
• Abrupt discontinuation after prolonged high-dose use may result in extreme fatigue and mental depression; gradual tapering may be considered.
• Patients should be advised about the potential for primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) and valvular heart disease, though the risk is low with phentermine monotherapy.
• Monitor for signs of drug abuse or dependence, as phentermine has abuse potential.
• Take phentermine early in the morning to avoid insomnia.

• Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
• Liraglutide (Saxenda)
• Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave)
• Semaglutide (Wegovy)
• Setmelanotide (Imcivree - for specific genetic conditions)
• Bariatric surgery (for severe obesity)

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 discuss them with 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.