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Phentermine Side Effects
Phentermine is the generic version of a popular appetite suppressant
which goes by a number of brand names including Ionamin and Adipex. Phentermine
is typically prescribed for short-term use (no more than a few weeks) as part
of an individual's overall weight reduction program that also includes dieting,
exercise, and counseling. Phentermine is designed for use only by excessively
overweight individuals who have a condition (for example diabetes, high blood
pressure, or high cholesterol) that could cause them serious medical problems
in the future.
Common Phentermine Side Effects
As with any other prescription drug, Phentermine's side effects cannot be
anticipated, however there are some possibilities, namely: restlessness, stomach
or intestinal problems, throbbing heartbeat, tremors, changes in sex drive,
constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, high blood pressure,
hives, impotence, exaggerated feelings of depression or elation, inability
to fall or stay asleep, increased heart rate, overstimulation, unpleasant
taste.
If any or other side effects are noticed and/or seem particularly unusual
or intense, be sure to contact a healthcare professional about this immediately.
Special Phentermine Precautions
Phentermine will lose its effect after a few weeks, and should be discontinued
when this happens. If the patient tries to boost its effectiveness by increasing
their dose, they run the risk of potentially serious side effects and even
dependence on the drug.
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to phentermine
hydrochloride or any other drugs that stimulate the human nervous system,
you should not take Phentermine. Ensure that your doctor is aware of any drug
reactions that you may have experienced in the past.
Phentermine should not be taken if you have the eye condition known as glaucoma,
hardening of the arteries, symptoms of heart or blood vessel disease, an overactive
thyroid gland, or high blood pressure. Even if your blood pressure is only
mildly high, exercise care when taking Phentermine. Also, Phentermine should
be avoided if you are agitated, have ever abused drugs, or have taken an MAO
inhibitor (including antidepressant drugs such as Nardil and Parnate), within
the last 14 days.
Phentermine can cause a rare but potentially fatal condition called primary
pulmonary hypertension. Contact a doctor immediately if you are taking Phentermine
and develop such warning signs as shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting
spells, or swollen ankles.
Phentermine may affect an individual's ability to perform potentially hazardous
activities. Thus, individuals taking Phentermine should exercise extreme caution
if they are driving a car or operating machinery.
If you continually take too much of any appetite suppressant (including Phentermine),
it can cause a pronounced inability to fall or stay asleep, irritability,
severe skin disorders, hyperactivity, and personality changes.
Phentermine Interactions
If Phentermine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could
be increased, decreased, or altered. Phentermine should never be combined
with the weight-loss drug fenfluramine (Pondimin, as very dangerous side effects
could result. Phentermine may also react badly with alcohol, thus alcoholic
beverages should be avoided while taking it. It is especially important to
check with your doctor before combining Phentermine with any of the following
drugs - Drugs that boost serotonin levels, such as the antidepressants Luvox,
Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft; Drugs classified as MAO inhibitors (including the
antidepressants Nardil and Parnate); Diabetes medications such as insulin
and Micronase; High blood pressure medications such as guanethidine (Ismelin).
Warning: This information is intended to
supplement, not be a substitute for the expertise and judgment of
a doctor. Please consult a doctor for final and more detailed information
about the possible side effects of this prescription medication.
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