Losing weight can be a big challenge sometimes, isn't it? No matter how hard we try, sometimes we don't get the results we want, even after dieting and exercising. At times like these, your doctor may have told you about this drug called Phentermine to help you lose weight. So let's learn about it today, as if we were talking to a friend.
What is Phentermine?
Simply put, Phentermine is an appetite suppressant . It works by making you feel less hungry. But it's not a magic pill to use alone. It should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and a good exercise plan for best results.
The special type we're talking about in this article is Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODT) . This means that this is not a pill that needs to be swallowed with water. It's an easy-to-use tablet that dissolves directly on the tongue.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before using this medicine, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Because using this medicine with some medical conditions can be risky. If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
- Heart disease: This medicine may slightly increase heart rate and blood pressure, so it is not suitable for people with heart disease.
- High blood pressure: If your blood pressure is already high, this medication may increase it even more.
- Diabetes: This medication may affect blood sugar levels. Therefore, the dosage of your diabetes medication may need to be adjusted.
- Glaucoma: This is not suitable for people with glaucoma, a disease that increases eye pressure.
- Thyroid disease: If you have abnormal thyroid hormone levels, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
- Kidney disease: This medicine is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, it can be a problem.
- A lung disease called Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) .
- If you have had a stroke .
- If you have a history of drug addiction .
- If you are constantly agitated or nervous .
- If you have used an MAOI (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate) antidepressant within the past 14 days . This is very important!
- If you are taking stimulant medicines, such as those for attention disorders or other weight loss medications .
- If you have had an allergic reaction to Phentermine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are trying to conceive, are pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother. Losing weight during pregnancy is not recommended at all, as it can be harmful to the baby.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
As the doctor says, it is very important to take the correct dosage at the correct time.
1. Do not take the pill out of the bottle until you are ready to take it.
2. When your hands are thoroughly dry , carefully remove the tablet.
3. Place the tablet directly on your tongue . It will begin to dissolve in a few seconds.
4. Swallow it after it dissolves. This does not require water, but you can take it with water if you want.
5. Take the medicine exactly as your doctor tells you . Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
6. Do not take this medicine in the evening or close to bedtime, as this may interfere with sleep.
7. Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only . Never share this medicine with anyone else. It is illegal and can be very dangerous for others.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital (Tel: 0112 686 143) . Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some medications can interact with Phentermine and cause dangerous conditions. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Do not take with these! (DO NOT take with these) | |
| MAOI-type drugs | Antidepressants such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate. Taking Phentermine with these can cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure. |
| Inform your doctor if you take these. | |
| Alcohol | Increases dizziness and drowsiness. |
| Medication for depression and anxiety | Problems may occur with some medications. |
| Medicine for high blood pressure | Phentermine may reduce the effectiveness of these medications. |
| Medicine for diabetes | Because blood sugar levels may change, the dosage of medication may need to be changed. |
| Medicine for colds | Medicines containing pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine. |
Possible Side Effects
Like any medication, Phentermine can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common. It's important to be aware of these.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergy symptoms | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing even without exertion. |
| Chest pain | Chest tightness, pain. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly. |
| Increased blood pressure | Severe headache, dizziness. |
| Symptoms of stroke | Sudden numbness/weakness of the face, arm or leg, difficulty speaking, loss of consciousness. |
| Other | Severe restlessness, tremors, seizures, feeling like you're losing consciousness. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dry mouth | This is common. Drink plenty of water. |
| Insomnia | That's why they say not to take this medicine at night. |
| Digestive system problems | Constipation or diarrhea. |
| Other | Dizziness, headache, change in taste of food. |
Take-Home Message
- Phentermine is a drug that helps reduce appetite and lose weight. However, it should be used in conjunction with diet and exercise .
- Before taking the medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking .
- Dizziness and drowsiness may occur when using the medicine. Therefore, be very careful when driving or operating machinery.
- If you experience serious side effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or rapid heartbeat, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only . Never share it with others. It is dangerous.
- Store this medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children.
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