Phentermine Side Effects
Common side effects reported with phentermine treatment include:
- Abnormal heart rhythm (palpitation, tachycardia)
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Elevation of blood pressure
- Euphoria, dysphoria
- Headache
- Impotence
- Insomnia
- Overstimulation
- Restlessness
- Tremor
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Change in libido
Things to Know, Precautions, Things to Ask Your Physician:
Specific precautions
Phentermine is not for pregnant women or nursing mothers.
Safety and efficacy has not been established if phentermine is used in combination with other weight loss drugs, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (fluoxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, paroxetine). Dangerous conditions may result.
Patients using insulin may need to adjust their dosage when starting phentermine treatment.
Phentermine should not be used for extended periods of time, and the drug may cause dependency with improper or long-term use.
Conditions or medications that may be affected by the drug or interact negatively with the drug
You may not be able to use phentermine if you have any of the following conditions:
- Advanced arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
- Anxiety problems
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- History of drug abuse or addiction
- Hypersensitivity to the symptathomimetic amines
- Hypertension (even mild)
- Hyperthyroidism
- Seizure disorders
- Use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within the past 14 days
Questions to ask your physician
Talk with your doctor before starting treatment with phentermine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days or an appetite-suppressant drug in the past year.
What to Avoid When Taking the Drug:
Additional drugs
Talk with your doctor before combining phentermine with any drugs that may cause dizziness or drowsiness, including:
- Antihistamines
- Anti-seizure drugs
- Anxiety medications
- Decongestants
- Muscle relaxants
- Narcotic pain relievers
- Psychiatric medications
- Sleep aids
Food/alcohol
Avoid alcohol while using phentermine.
Caffeine may increase the side effects of phentermine, so avoid consuming large amounts of caffeine from drinks or chocolate.
Certain activities
Avoid driving or engaging in dangerous activities until you know how your body reacts to phentermine, as the medication may impair your abilities.
-
September 7, 2010, 9:59 am
-
September 2, 2010, 12:51 pm
-
September 1, 2010, 3:16 pm
-
August 31, 2010, 2:01 pm
