Phentermine/Topiramate (Qsymia)

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Phentermine is an oral medication prescribed to help manage weight in adults with a BMI >30 or a BMI>27 with comorbidities (high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol). Phentermine is a stimulant in the class of amphetamine. When used under controlled conditions, it can act as an appetite suppressant by affecting the central nervous system. 

 
The medication has been approved by the FDA under various brand names for the treatment of chronic weight management and obesity.

 
Dosing*

37.5 mg- 25 mg daily for 3 months

37.5 mg- 50 mg daily for 3 months

Common side effects of phentermine :

· Trouble sleeping

· Feeling restless

· Headache

· Dry mouth

· Fast heartbeat or heart palpitations

· Nausea

· Constipation

· Diarrhea

· Changes in libido

· Higher blood pressure

· Tremors (shakiness)

Phentermine shouldn’t be used by people with certain health conditions or statuses, including:

· Heart disease, including heart failure, coronary artery disease, or prior stroke

· High blood pressure that’s uncontrolled

· Hyperthyroidism(too much thyroid hormone)

· Glaucoma(high eye pressure)

· High levels of nervousness or anxiety

· History of drug misuse

· Pregnancy

· Nursing (breastfeeding)

· Allergies to other similar stimulant medications

How Does Qsymia Work?

Qsymia works in the brain as an appetite suppressant.

Who Should Not Take Qsymia?

• Women who are pregnant, nursing or planning to become pregnant

• People who have glaucoma

• People who have uncontrolled hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)

• People who are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) now or have taken one

within the past 14 days

• People who have a history of kidney stones

• People who drink excessive alcohol

• Qsymia may not be appropriate for people who have coronary artery disease or

cardiac arrhythmias

• Qsymia may not be appropriate for people who have a history of anxiety disorder

Which Medications Might Not Be Safe to Use with Qsymia?

Phentermine can affect how other medicines work in your body, and other medicines can

affect how phentermine works or make side effects worse. Tell your doctor about all the

medicines and supplements you take, especially the following medicines:

• Diuretics (water pills), such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)—usually taken to treat high

blood pressure

• Any medicines that impair or decrease your thinking, concentration, or muscle

coordination

• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, such as Zonegran® (zonisamide), Diamox®

(acetazolamide), or Neptazane® (methazolamide)—usually used to treat glaucoma,

but they might be given for other conditions

• Seizure medications such as valproic acid (Depakene® or Depakote®)

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Qsymia?

• Numbness or tingling in the hands, arms, feet, or face

• Dizziness and lightheadedness

• Trouble sleeping

• Constipation

• Dry mouth

• Trouble concentrating

Are There Any Special Precautions with Qsymia?

Qsymia can cause a serious birth defect called cleft palate.

Women who can become pregnant should:

1. Have a negative pregnancy test before starting Qsymia and every month while taking

Qsymia

2. Use effective birth control while taking Qsymia

3. If you become pregnant while taking Qsymia, tell your doctor right away and

stop taking Qsymia immediately

Do not drink alcohol while taking Qsymia. Qsymia and alcohol affect each other and cause

side effects such as sleepiness or dizziness.