Phentermine Overview Online

What is Phentermine?

HCL - Oral Phentermine Hydrochloride is used for weight loss management and is part of the Sympathomimetic family. These appetite suppressants are used for short-term management of exogenous obesity. If used together with behavioural therapy, diet and exercise, Phentermine may assist with weight loss while you learn new ways to eat and exercise. Phentermine is available in Tablets, capsules and resin capsules

How does Phentermine work?

Phentermine stimulates the hypothalamus gland, the region of the brain that rules the autonomic nervous system, influencing neurotransmitters to decrease appetite. The hypothalamus regulates body temperature, sleep cycles and appetite.

Use of Phentermine

Take once daily, before breakfast, on an empty stomach. If the Phenteramin is in tablet form it may be broken or cut in half. It must not be crushed or chewed. Phentermine can disturb normal sleep patterns, so avoid using late in the day. Take the last dose approximately 4-6 hours before to going to bed if taking more than one dose daily.

The following is restricted only to normal doses of Phentermine. Phenteramine’s recommended dose may be altered for different patients. Should your dose be different, do NOT make any changes to it unless your doctor instructs you.

For Adults under the Age of 60

Oral form (Capsules) - once/day before breakfast or one to two hours after breakfast: 15 to 37.5 mg. Oral form (Tablets) once/day before breakfast or one to two hours after breakfast: 15 to 37.5. Your doctor may advise you to divide the dose one-half hour each meal. Oral resin form (Capsules) once/day before breakfast: 15 to 30 mg

Adults 60 Years of Age and Over - Consult your physician as a reduced dose may be required.

Infants and Children - Phentermine is contra indicated for children under the age of 16.

Maximum Dosage Recommendations

ONLY take Phentermine as ordered by your doctor.

Do NOT take more than recommended. Do NOT take more often than recommended and do NOT take for a longer time period than your doctor recommends. Phentermine may become habit-forming or show side effects if taken for too long a time period.

Please consult with your doctor if you consider that Phentermine is not working correctly after being taken it for a few weeks. NEVER increase the dosage.

Missed Dosage

Do NOT double the dose. Take the dose as soon as possible unless it is almost time for the next dose, skip the overlooked dose and take the scheduled dose only.

In Case of Overdose

It is unlikely that an overdose of Phentermine is life-threatening, but if you or anyone you know takes a larger dose than ordered, please contact a doctor, 911, or a nearby poison control centre immediately.

Storage of Phentermine

As with all medications, keep out of children's reach. Store away from direct light and heat.
NOT to be stored in the bathroom or any other damp place. Heat and moisture might cause a break down of the medicine. Do NOT keep past the expiration date and remember that any discarded medication must be kept out of the reach of children.

PRIOR to talking Phentermine; what you should tell the doctor

The existence medical problems may affect your use of Phentermine. Please consult with your doctor if you have suffered from or suffer from:

Advanced atherosclerosis, any history of alcohol abuse or allergies - Unusual or allergic reactions to the following must be discussed with your doctor:

Diabetes Mellitus – It might be required to alter your insulin or oral anti-diabetic dosage.
If you have a history of Drug Abuse or Dependence – the likelihood of a dependence on Phentermine may increase.

Mental Illness or a family history of same - depression or other mental illness might be more likely.

Glaucoma
Phentermine may degenerate the condition of Hyperthyroidism or over-active thyroid.

Kidney disease - chances of serious side effects might increase.

Hypertension or high blood pressure.

Symptomatic Cardiovascular Disease
The use of a Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitor within the last 2 weeks

Precautions

Phentermine must be used with caution, it is chemically similar to amphetamines and as previously warned has a risk of psychological dependence.

For Adults Aged 60 and Over - There is no information that is specific to compare the use of appetite suppressants in the elderly to use in other age groups. It may therefore, not be known if they work in the same way as they do in younger adults, or if they cause dissimilar side effects or problems. Adverse reactions could be more severe in older patients, especially if taken in combination with drugs acting on the central nervous system.

Alcohol - Side effects of dizziness may increase if taken together with Alcohol, it is advisable to limit alcohol while using Phentermine.

Breast Feeding - Use of Phentermine while breast-feeding is definitely NOT recommended and may cause unwanted effects in nursing babies. Consult your doctor for guidance.

Diabetes - Phentermine can affect blood sugar levels. If diabetic and you notice a change in your urine or blood sugar test, or for any questions or concerns, consult your doctor.

Driving and Hazardous Work - Phentermine may cause a false sense of well-being or a feeling of dizziness, lightheadedness, or drowsness. Do NOT drive or undertake any hazardous work until you determine how the medicine affects you personally.

Hyperthyroidism or over-active thyroid – Phentermine may worsen this condition.

Infants and Children – Phentermine are NOT suggested for use in children under the age of 16 years. Studies conducted on appetite suppressants have only occurred in adult patients. There is no detailed information for comparing the use of Sympathomimetic appetite suppressants in children as with other age groups.

Kidney Disease - The chances of serious side effects might increase.

Pregnancy - Phentermine has not caused birth defects in humans but prior to using this medication, inform your doctor if you are attempting to become pregnant or are pregnant.

Emergency Treatment, Surgery, Dental Treatment, Phentermine together with medicines being used any of the above may instigate serious side effects. Prior to any surgery or treatment, notify the doctor / dentist that this medicine is in your use.

Other medicines

In some cases two different medications may be used simultaneously; however certain medicines must never be used together. In this case your doctor could change your dose, or take other necessary precautions. If using Phentermine it is particularly important to inform your doctor if you are using any of the following:

• Amantadine e.g. Symmetrel

• Amphetamines

• Caffeine e.g. NoDoz

• Chlophedianol e.g.  Ulone

• Cocaine

• Medication for asthma or breathing problems

• Medication for sinus problems, colds, hay fever or other allergies (including nose sprays and drops)

• Methylphenidate e.g. Ritalin

• Nabilone  e.g. Cesamet

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or any other diet pills such as:

• Citalopram e.g. Celexa

• Fluvoxamine e.g. Luvox

• Sertraline e.g. Zoloft

• Fluoxetine e.g. Prozac

• Paroxetine e.g. Paxil

Pemoline or Cyler - Together with Sympathomimetic appetite suppressants these medicines may increase central nervous system (CNS) stimulant effects, such as nervousness, irritability,  trembling and trouble sleeping.

Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors – Phentermine taken together with or taken less than 14 days after using a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor can provoke extremely high blood pressure.

Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors include:

• Furazolidone e.g. Furoxone

• Phenelzine e.g.  Nardil

• Selegiline e.g. Eldepryl

• Isocarboxazid e.g. Marplan

• Procarbazine e.g. Matulane

• Tranylcypromine e.g.  Parnate

Tricyclic antidepressants - Using these medicines with Sympathomimetic appetite suppressants may cause irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure. These include:

• Amitriptyline e.g. Elavil

• Clomipramine e.g Anafranil

• Amoxapine e.g. Asendin

• Doxepin e.g . Sinequan

• Nortriptyline e.g.  Aventyl

• Trimipramine e.g. Surmontil

• Amoxapine e.g. Asendin

• Desipramine e.g. Pertofrane

• Imipramine e.g. Tofranil

• Protriptyline e.g. Vivactil

Possible Side Effects

Along with its necessary effects, Phentermine may cause unwanted side effects, some being symptoms of serious heart or lung problems.

Please consult your doctor immediately if you notice: Chest pain, Decrease in ability to exercise, Fainting, Swelling of feet or of lower legs, Trouble breathing.

Other side effects may that do not need medical attention. These side abate during treatment as the body adjusts to the medication.

if any of the following side effects persist or are worrisome inform your doctor:

More Common Symptoms : Depression, Increase in blood pressure, Drowsiness, Irritability, Sense of well-being, Nervousness, Tiredness

Rare Symptoms : Blurred vision, alteration in sexual desire, clumsiness, confusion, diarrhea, dizziness, dryness of the mouth, headaches, irregular heartbeat, nausea or vomiting, psychosis, skin rashes or itching, stomach pain, tiredness, unpleasant taste in the mouth.

Side effects not listed above may arise in some patients. If any other side effects become noticable, please consult your doctor.

Possible Overdose Symptoms:

Phentermine Dependency

I you think you might have become mentally or physically dependent on Phentermine, please speak to your doctor.

Some signs of Phentermine dependency are: a strong need to persist in taking the medication or a need to increase the dosage to receive the effect of the medication.

Withdrawal effects could include: Personality changes, excessively excited behaviour, severe irritability, extreme tiredness or weakness, severe depression or mental illness, nausea and/or vomiting, skin diseases, stomach pain  or cramps,  trembling, insomnia or nightmares.

Stopping Phentermine Treatment

When you cease using Phentermine, your body might require and adjustment period. The length of this period is dependent upon the amount of medication you had been using and for how long you used it. Speak to your doctor if you become aware of any side effects.

Should you have been using large doses of Phentermine or taking it for an extended period, don’t discontinue use without consulting your doctor first. She/he might wish you to gradually decrease the dosage you are taking before discontinuing completely. This can assist in preventing withdrawal side effects.

Weight Loss Notes regarding Phentermine.

Phentermine must not be used to substitute for proper diet and exercise. It must be used together with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. Any change in diet, levels of activity or behaviour must  develop and be continued in the long long-term for to continue weight loss and to prevent the weight loss from returning.

Phentermine is chemically similar to amphetamines and may instigate a positive result for urine screening tests for amphetamines. Never share your prescription Phentermine with others and always consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information.