Are you tired of trying different ways to lose weight? Sometimes, doctors recommend certain medications to help you lose weight, along with diet and exercise. Today we're talking about a combination of two such medications. They are Phentermine and Topiramate. This one usually comes under the brand name Qsymia.
Simply put, what is this medicine?
This is a combination of two medications. It mainly works by reducing your appetite and helping you lose weight. It also helps you maintain the weight you lose. However, it is not the only way to lose weight. It should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and a good exercise plan. Your doctor will advise you on this.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before starting this medication, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions, as this medication is not suitable for everyone.
| Inform your doctor if you have these conditions. | |
|---|---|
| • If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | • If you are a breastfeeding mother |
| • Heart disease or high blood pressure | • Liver disease |
| • Kidney disease or kidney stones | • Diabetes |
| • Glaucoma condition | • Depression or other mental illness |
| • Previous suicidal thoughts or attempts | • A history of drug or alcohol addiction |
| • If you have had a heart attack or stroke | • An irregular heartbeat |
| • Lung or respiratory diseases such as asthma | • Seizures |
| • Thyroid diseases | • Bone problems |
| • Low blood potassium levels | • Engaging in a ketogenic diet |
| • If you have taken an MAOI medication in the past 14 days | • Allergy to other medicines, foods or substances |
How should I use this medicine?
It is very important to take this medicine exactly as the doctor tells you.
- Swallow this capsule with a glass of water. Do not cut, crush, or chew.
- It is usually taken once a day. It is best to take it in the morning .
- Do not take this medicine in the evening or at night, as this may cause you to not be able to sleep.
- Do not drink more than the amount prescribed by the doctor.
- If you miss a dose: If you forget to take a dose, skip it completely. Take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Important: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
What other medications may interact with this medicine?
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and herbal products), as some medications can interact with this one.
| What should never be taken with this medicine? | |
|---|---|
| • Medications for mental illness called MAOIs (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate). | |
| Other things that may interact with this medication | |
| • Alcohol | • Birth control pills |
| • Medications taken for diabetes | • Some medications taken for high blood pressure |
| • Medications for mental illness and anxiety | • Sleeping pills |
| • Painkillers (especially narcotics) | • Medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds |
| • Acetazolamide, Methazolamide | • Valproic acid, Zonisamide, Carbamazepine |
What should you be especially careful about when taking the medicine?
You need to pay close attention to your body while taking this medicine.
Take care of your mental health.
This is a very important point. Some people may experience changes in their mental state when using this medicine.
If you or your family notice a sudden change in your behavior, for example, feeling more anxious , irritable , restless , depressed , or having suicidal thoughts , call your doctor immediately .
Body temperature and dehydration
This medicine may reduce sweating. Therefore, avoid staying in places with high heat. Doing so can cause your body temperature to rise dangerously, leading to a condition called heat stroke. Also, drink plenty of water throughout the day . This can also reduce the risk of kidney stones.
Birth control and pregnancy
Birth control pills may be less effective while taking this medicine. Therefore, talk to your doctor about using an additional form of birth control. This medicine is not recommended if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Losing weight during pregnancy can be harmful to the baby.
Other important points
- This medicine may make you feel sleepy or dizzy . Avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
- If you have diabetes, this medicine may change your blood sugar levels . Talk to your doctor about that too.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly. If you do, do so only as directed by your doctor.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| What to inform the doctor immediately | If it persists, tell your doctor. |
|---|---|
| • Allergies such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips/tongue/face | • Dry mouth |
| • Chest pain or tightness | • Constipation |
| • Vision changes, blurred vision | • Change in taste of food |
| • Difficulty breathing | • Headache |
| • Fast or irregular heartbeat | • Dizziness |
| • Suicidal thoughts or mental changes | • Insomnia |
| • Numbness or pain in the limbs | |
| • Symptoms of kidney stones (blood in urine, back/leg pain) | |
| • Blistering, redness, or peeling of the skin |
Take-Home Message
- Phentermine and Topiramate are medications that are prescribed to help with weight loss. However, this is only effective when combined with calorie control and exercise .
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding .
- Be aware of your mental state while taking the medication. If you experience anything serious, such as suicidal thoughts, seek medical advice immediately.
- This is a medicine prescribed for you only. Never give it to anyone else.
- If you experience any serious side effects or have any problems, talk to your doctor immediately.
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